Historic accord signed to empower women and boost green economy across West Africa
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — Leaders from across West Africa have taken a decisive step toward sustainable development by endorsing a groundbreaking regional initiative that merges gender equality with climate action and green economic growth. The landmark program, finalized during a two-day workshop in Abidjan, brings together the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), UN Women, and multiple specialized agencies to create a unified strategy for addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.
The strategic framework, developed during sessions held on May 15 and 16 at the ECOWAS Resident Mission in Abidjan, outlines a clear roadmap for implementation. Its core mission is to align with national priorities while advancing the ECOWAS Gender and Climate Action Plan through targeted financing and coordinated regional efforts.
Why gender and green economy go hand in hand
Sandra Oulaté Fattoh, Director of the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), emphasized the dual nature of ecological transition as both a challenge and an opportunity for women and girls across West Africa. She highlighted how integrating gender perspectives into climate policies can unlock new avenues for economic participation, leadership, and resilience among female populations.
Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, UN Women’s Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, described the initiative as a pivotal shift from policy declarations to tangible action. “This program represents a concrete response to the intertwined crises of climate change and economic inequality,” she noted. “By placing women at the heart of the green transition, we can build a more equitable and sustainable future for the region.”
Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reinforced this vision by stressing the need for an inclusive green transition. He called for policies that not only prioritize environmental sustainability but also create real economic opportunities for women and youth—key drivers of innovation and change in the region.
Next steps: from vision to implementation
The finalized program document is set to be officially adopted during a working session scheduled for June 29 to July 6, 2026, in Lomé, Togo. Stakeholders across member states will gather to review progress, align on priorities, and lay the groundwork for large-scale deployment of the initiative.
With climate-related risks disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups, this program positions gender-responsive climate action as a cornerstone of West Africa’s development agenda. By fostering collaboration between governments, civil society, and international partners, the initiative aims to turn regional commitments into measurable impact—ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward a greener, more equitable future.
