West Africa adopts landmark gender and green economy program

Abidjan, 22 May 2026 — The ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), in partnership with UN Women and other ECOWAS agencies, has officially endorsed a pioneering regional initiative at a workshop held in Abidjan. The programme integrates gender equality, climate resilience, and the green economy, marking a significant step toward sustainable development across West Africa.

Strategic alignment for regional priorities

The two-day meeting, convened on 15 and 16 May at the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Côte d’Ivoire, served as a pivotal platform to finalise the programme’s strategic framework and outline a clear implementation roadmap. The initiative is designed to bolster collective efforts among ECOWAS member states in addressing pressing challenges linked to gender equity, climate adaptation, and ecological transition.

Central to the programme is the alignment with the ECOWAS Gender and Climate Action Plan, ensuring that financing mechanisms are streamlined to support both policy commitments and grassroots impact. By fostering synergies between these domains, the initiative aims to create robust pathways for economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth.

Voices shaping the agenda

During the session, Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, Director of the CCDG, highlighted the dual nature of the green transition—presenting both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for women and girls across West Africa. She emphasised the need for targeted policies that safeguard their participation in emerging green sectors while mitigating climate-related vulnerabilities.

Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, UN Women’s Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, framed the initiative as a critical shift from policy rhetoric to tangible action. In her remarks, she stressed that the programme would serve as a catalyst for addressing the intertwined crises of climate change and economic inequality, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the transition.

Dr Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, underscored the imperative of an inclusive green transition. He called for strategies that translate into real economic opportunities for women and young people, positioning them as key drivers of sustainable growth in the region.

Next steps and regional commitment

Following the endorsement in Abidjan, the finalised programme document is slated for adoption during a working session scheduled from 29 June to 6 July 2026 in Lomé, Togo. This milestone will formalise the region’s unified approach to integrating gender perspectives into climate and economic policies, setting a precedent for future collaborations.