President of the ECOWAS Commission
His Excellency Omar Alieu Touray serves as the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the executive body of the Economic Community of West African States. He brings decades of experience in regional integration, diplomacy, and economic development to this pivotal role.
As President, H.E. Touray leads the implementation of ECOWAS policies and decisions, champions regional integration initiatives, and represents the Commission in international forums. His vision centers on deepening economic integration, enhancing regional security, and promoting sustainable development across West Africa.
Omar Alieu Touray was elected as President of the ECOWAS Commission in February 2022, bringing with him extensive experience in international relations, development cooperation, and regional integration. Born in The Gambia, President Touray has dedicated his career to advancing African unity and prosperity.
Before assuming his current role, President Touray served in various senior positions within the African Union and ECOWAS systems, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating regional responses to economic and security challenges. His deep understanding of West Africa's political economy and his commitment to multilateralism have been instrumental in shaping his approach to regional governance.
President Touray holds advanced degrees in economics and international relations from prestigious institutions. His academic background, combined with his practical experience in diplomacy and development, positions him uniquely to navigate the complex landscape of regional integration in West Africa.
Under his leadership, the ECOWAS Commission has prioritized key initiatives including the acceleration of the ECOWAS Single Currency Programme, enhancement of regional infrastructure, strengthening of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, and promotion of private sector-led economic growth. His tenure has been marked by a renewed focus on investment promotion and facilitation across the region.
Serve as chief executive of the ECOWAS Commission, implementing decisions of the Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Council of Ministers.
Champion initiatives to deepen economic, political, and social integration across the 15 ECOWAS member states.
Represent ECOWAS in international forums, building partnerships with global organizations and development partners.
Oversee programs promoting trade liberalization, monetary cooperation, and investment facilitation across the region.
Coordinate regional responses to security challenges and promote conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms.
Ensure ECOWAS programs prioritize the well-being of West African citizens through inclusive and sustainable development.
President Touray's vision for West Africa is anchored in the concept of "One Region, One Future" - a community where economic prosperity is shared, borders facilitate rather than hinder commerce, and citizens can freely pursue opportunities across the region.
His strategic priorities include accelerating the implementation of the ECOWAS Single Currency, enhancing regional infrastructure connectivity, strengthening agricultural value chains, promoting digital economy initiatives, and attracting substantial foreign direct investment into the region. He envisions ECOWAS as a model of successful regional integration that delivers tangible benefits to all member states and their populations.
Central to his leadership is the belief that private sector-led growth, supported by robust public institutions, is essential for sustainable development. Through IPAWAS and other regional mechanisms, President Touray champions initiatives that improve the investment climate and showcase West Africa's vast opportunities to global investors.