By Thaimu T Kamara
The 39th Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) officially opened on Sunday the 12 July at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, bringing together delegates from the bloc’s twelve Member States for discussions on key administrative, financial and institutional issues ahead of the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.
The meeting marks the start of a series of statutory engagements that will culminate in the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, where regional leaders are expected to review policy recommendations and adopt decisions aimed at strengthening regional integration, economic cooperation, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa.
Opening the session, Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee, Mr. Komba Momoh, welcomed delegates to Sierra Leone and commended President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his leadership in promoting regional cooperation and integration.
Mr. Momoh described the committee as a vital institution responsible for ensuring sound governance, financial accountability, institutional efficiency and prudent resource management within ECOWAS. He urged delegates to engage actively in the deliberations to produce practical recommendations that would strengthen the Community and support the work of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“I warmly welcome you all to Sierra Leone for the 39th Session of the Administration and Finance Committee. I extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of ECOWAS. I encourage all delegates to participate actively so that our deliberations will be productive and yield meaningful outcomes for the benefit of our Community,” Mr. Momoh said.
He noted that the committee’s work is central to addressing emerging administrative and financial challenges facing the regional body, emphasizing the importance of strengthening institutional capacity to enable ECOWAS to effectively implement its programmes and fulfil its mandate.
Mr. Momoh also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for hosting the meeting and for the hospitality extended to delegates from across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Vice President H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing regional integration through sound financial management, institutional reforms and stronger cooperation among Member States.
She urged countries within the bloc to intensify collaboration in responding to emerging regional challenges, including peace and security, climate change, youth unemployment and institutional resilience.
According to the Vice President, addressing these challenges requires collective action and stronger partnerships among Member States to achieve the objectives outlined in the ECOWAS Vision.
She stressed that effective financial management and institutional reforms remain essential for improving the efficiency of ECOWAS institutions and enhancing the Community’s ability to respond to the evolving needs of its citizens.
The Administration and Finance Committee is one of ECOWAS’ key statutory bodies, responsible for reviewing the Community’s administrative, financial and institutional matters before recommendations are submitted to the Council of Ministers and subsequently to the Authority of Heads of State and Government for consideration and approval.
The Freetown session is expected to examine a range of issues relating to budget implementation, institutional governance, resource mobilization and administrative reforms designed to improve the operational effectiveness of the regional organization.
The meeting also provides an opportunity for Member States to assess the Community’s financial performance and consider measures aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and efficient management of ECOWAS resources.
As host of this year’s statutory meetings, Sierra Leone has welcomed hundreds of delegates, ministers, technical experts and development partners participating in the week-long engagements.
The country’s hosting of the meetings underscores its growing role in regional diplomacy, particularly under the chairmanship of President Julius Maada Bio, who currently leads the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The series of meetings scheduled throughout the week is expected to lay the groundwork for the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, where Heads of State and Government will consider recommendations emerging from the Administration and Finance Committee and other statutory bodies before adopting decisions on the Community’s strategic priorities.
The outcomes of the summit are anticipated to shape ECOWAS’ policy direction on regional governance, economic integration, peace and security, and sustainable development, as Member States seek to strengthen cooperation and address shared challenges confronting West Africa.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 15th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
