President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has been appointed the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who held the position for the past two years.

The transition occurred during the latest ECOWAS summit, where regional leaders endorsed President Bio to lead the 15-member economic bloc. His appointment signals a continued focus on fostering regional integration, economic development, and stability across West Africa.

President Bio, known for his commitment to democratic governance and sustainable development in Sierra Leone, is expected to prioritise strengthening ECOWAS’s role in addressing pressing regional challenges, including economic recovery and security concerns.

Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, President Bio pledged to advance the bloc’s objectives. “I am honoured to serve as ECOWAS chairman and will work tirelessly to promote unity and progress for our region,” he stated.

Outgoing chairman President Tinubu was commended for his leadership, particularly in navigating complex regional dynamics during his tenure. ECOWAS, founded in 1975, remains a cornerstone for economic cooperation and conflict resolution in West Africa.

President Bio’s chairmanship comes at a critical time as the region seeks to bolster trade, infrastructure, and collective security. Observers anticipate his leadership will build on existing frameworks to drive tangible outcomes for ECOWAS member states.