Abuja: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, and other partners, has launched the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and Operational Plan at a High-Level Advocacy and Dissemination Workshop held on September 11, 2025, at the Commissions Headquarters in Abuja.
According to African Press Organization, the new Framework is designed to guide Member States in strengthening and expanding social protection systems, improving access to essential services, and promoting social inclusion across the region. The event also featured the presentation of the 2025-2026 Biennial Work Plan to Member States and stakeholders.
In her welcome address, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, thanked Member States and partners for their support. She described the launch as a key milestone in advancing ECOWAS regional agenda on social protection, stressing the need for sustained collaboration and commitment.
The technical session included presentations on the Framework and the 2025-2026 biennial workplan, followed by discussions on strategies to improve implementation and coordination at national and regional levels.
The workshop concluded with the official launch of the Framework and Operational Plan by H.E. Mr Swaray Mohamed Rahman, marking an important milestone in advancing social protection across the ECOWAS region.
Development partners reaffirmed their commitments to work closely with ECOWAS to implement the biennial workplan and strengthen social protection systems to ensure they are inclusive, effective, and sustainable.