The Garki Declaration
A Mandate for Regional Prosperity and Integration
Executive Summary
The Garki Declaration was adopted by the Heads of State and Government of West African nations at the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit (WAES). Guided by the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared prosperity, this declaration serves as the foundational policy framework for our region's economic future.
It recognizes that our collective prosperity hinges on accelerated integration. We affirm our responsibility to leverage West Africa's abundant resources and youthful population, aligning our national priorities with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 to drive inclusive transformation.
The 12 Key Resolutions
Core pillars of the declaration outlining our commitment to regional prosperity and integration
Commitment to Regional Integration
We reaffirm that integration is imperative for economic transformation. We commit to the full implementation of existing instruments, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC), to foster seamless trade across borders.
Institutionalization of WAES
WAES is established as a permanent, biennial platform rotating among member states. It serves as the dedicated regional forum for Heads of State, Ministers, and the private sector to strategize on economic cooperation and investment.
Trade Targets: 50% in 5 Years
We commit to increasing intra-regional trade from the current ~12% to above 50% within the next five years. Action: Systematically removing tariff and non-tariff barriers. Enabler: Harmonizing digital identity systems and trade policies across the region.
Food Sovereignty & Agribusiness
We will scale investment in modern agriculture, seed innovation, and agro-processing to reduce import dependence. We encourage strong private sector collaboration to create robust regional agri-value chains.
Strategic Value Chains
We promote integrated regional value chains in mining, energy (affordable electricity), and digital infrastructure. Our goal is to increase local manufacturing and export competitiveness, moving beyond raw material exports.
Infrastructure Development
We will develop essential infrastructure—roads, railways, ports, and air transport—through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). We pledge to address administrative hurdles impeding critical projects like the West African Gas Pipeline and Power Pool.
Indigenous Capital Mobilization
We recognize Diaspora resources (remittances, skills, capital) and domestic private sector investment as the primary engines of regional growth. We commit to creating an enabling environment to foster these intra-regional investment flows.
Empowering Youth & Innovation
Recognizing youth as our greatest asset, we commit to: Investing in skills development and quality education. Establishing regional incubators and targeted funding mechanisms. Promoting digital infrastructure for technology-driven enterprises.
Women's Economic Participation
We resolve to dismantle structural barriers limiting women's access to finance and markets. We will mainstream gender-responsive policies in all regional integration efforts to empower women economically.
Accountability & Implementation
To ensure delivery, we will: Establish a High-Level WAES Implementation Secretariat to track resolutions. Monitor the implementation of bilateral agreements with clear timelines. Address border harassment to improve the citizen experience.
The WAES Deal Room
We endorse the West Africa Deal Room Platform to facilitate continued matchmaking between governments and private investors beyond the Summit. We will review investment regimes to attract and protect capital.
Peace, Stability & Governance
We recognize that security and democratic governance are inseparable from economic progress. We commit to tackling security challenges and harmonizing fiscal regimes to ensure a stable environment for sustainable development.
Our Commitment
"We commit ourselves to a renewed era of robust cooperation and decisive implementation. West Africa stands united, coordinated, and resolute in unlocking its full economic potential. We endorse these resolutions with the conviction that a prosperous West Africa is possible—if we act together, boldly and now."
Priority Indicators & Targets
These are the core Garki Declaration indicators we track alongside database-driven metrics.
Trade & Economic Integration
Baseline ~12–13%; target >50% within five years by removing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Full activation of ECOWAS ETLS and Common External Tariff over the next five years.
Universal adoption and interoperability by 2027; monitor compliance to enable free movement.
Infrastructure & Logistics
Track operational performance of West African Gas Pipeline and West African Power Pool; remove bureaucratic hurdles.
Simplify procedures over the next five years; cut harassment and unofficial payments at borders.
Investment & Private Sector
Maintain a permanent WAES Deal Room to match governments and private investors beyond the Summit.
Create mechanisms to attract and channel Diaspora remittances, skills, and capital into the transformation agenda.
Social & Human Capital
Establish regional incubators and targeted funding; invest in skills development and quality education.
Mainstream gender-responsive policies; pursue 30%+ representation in public procurement and investment programs.
Governance & Accountability
Operationalise the High-Level WAES Implementation Secretariat to follow through on resolutions and agreements.
Track bilateral/multilateral agreements (e.g., Nigeria–Benin MOU) with clear timelines and mutual accountability.
Develop and update annually; link access to regional infrastructure funding to alignment with Garki policies.
Download the Full Signed Garki Declaration
Access the complete official document with all signatures and detailed resolutions
Download the Full Signed Garki Declaration (PDF)