The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched the fourth edition of its Regional Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Forum in Lagos, Nigeria, with a strong focus on strengthening legal frameworks to support sustainable infrastructure development.
Organized by the ECOWAS Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU), the two-day forum—held under the theme “Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Sustainable PPPs”—serves as a high-level platform for dialogue among key stakeholders on the legal and regulatory hurdles impacting the implementation of PPPs across West Africa.
The event gathers representatives from ECOWAS Member States, international development organizations, legal professionals, and private sector stakeholders. Participants will exchange insights, share best practices, and propose policy reforms aimed at improving the enabling environment for PPPs, particularly in emerging markets facing capital constraints.
The forum enjoys strong support from development partners such as the World Bank and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), who continue to play pivotal roles in funding and technical assistance for regional infrastructure initiatives.
A central focus of the discussions includes strategic transnational projects like the Lagos–Abidjan Highway Corridor and the Praia–Dakar–Abidjan Highway Corridor. Once completed, these major infrastructure corridors are expected to significantly boost intra-regional trade, mobility, and economic integration.
By identifying key legal and institutional success factors, ECOWAS aims to enhance governance structures and attract long-term investment to bridge the region’s infrastructure gap and drive sustainable development.