The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced a series of technical working group workshops in Abuja, aimed at improving the harmonisation of statistical systems across member states.
Organised by the bloc’s Directorate of Research and Statistics, the workshops are scheduled to run from April 17 to May 7, 2026, focusing on aligning and finalising key statistical frameworks in the Community’s three official languages, English, French, and Portuguese.
The sessions cover critical areas, including national accounts (both annual and quarterly), the industrial production index, business registration data, public finance and debt statistics, as well as external trade figures.
The goal is to enhance data consistency and comparability across member countries.
Speaking at the opening session, the Interim Director, Felix Fofana N’Zue, underscored the need for strict adherence to international standards and a unified understanding of statistical methodologies.
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He noted that achieving consistency in data collection and interpretation is essential for strengthening regional integration and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Experts from across West Africa are participating in the workshops, working collaboratively in specialised groups to refine statistical tools, improve data quality, and ensure alignment with global best practices.
The initiative is expected to support more informed decision-making by governments and regional institutions, while reinforcing ECOWAS’ broader objective of economic coordination and development.
