The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has held a high-level meeting with Sweden in Abuja to assess progress and future priorities in the governance of labour migration and the implementation of the ECOWAS free movement regime.
The discussions focused on strengthening regional policies that promote safe, orderly, and regular migration, while enhancing labour mobility as a catalyst for economic development, peace, and stability across the sub region.
Senior officials from ECOWAS’ Directorates of Free Movement and Humanitarian Affairs took part, underscoring the Commission’s integrated approach to migration management and regional development.
The meeting also reviewed recent advances under the Joint Labour Migration Programme, following the approval of its third phase by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The Swedish delegation, led by Joachim Beijmo of the Swedish Embassy in Addis Ababa, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS through strategic partnerships and programme-based cooperation.
Both sides agreed to sustain dialogue and coordination to ensure the effective rollout of the programme’s new phase and related regional migration frameworks.
