Abuja, Nigeria – 15 December 2015: The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is in Abuja, Nigeria, to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as the 48th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

The AU Commission Chairperson will have an opportunity to address both gatherings i.e. the 48th Ordinary session on 16 December as well as the 40th Anniversary celebrations on 17 December, both of which have attracted a number of continental and world leaders.

The AU Commission Chairperson will take the opportunity to speak on the critical role of Regional Economic Communities, such as ECOWAS, in African integration. In relation to Africa’s Agenda 2063. She will emphasise the importance of boosting free movement of goods and people, regional infrastructure development, the mechanisation of agriculture, democratisation as well as the ongoing fight against extremism and terrorism. These are key areas of the 10-year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063, the framework for continental transformation.

Founded on 28 May 1975, ECOWAS is one of Africa’s most advanced Regional Economic Communities in accelerating the free movement of goods and people across national borders. This has contributed to fostering economic prosperity and raising the standards of living of its citizens.

To speedily realise Africa’s Agenda 2063 for a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa, there are many lessons to learn from ECOWAS at 40.

Media Contacts:
Jacob Enoh Eben, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, AU Commission, Cell: +234 903 026 5079; +251 934 996 893, Email: EnohebenJ@africa-union.org; Website www.au.int