Launches cybersecurity Hackathon to deepen integration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reinforced its commitment to regional integration, economic resilience and digital security with the release of its 2025–2027 Regional Economic Outlook (REO) and the commencement of the fourth edition of the ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, Ghana.

The twin initiatives, announced on June 9, 2026, underscore the regional bloc’s efforts to address emerging economic and technological challenges while advancing sustainable development across West Africa.

The newly released Regional Economic Outlook, one of ECOWAS’ flagship publications, provides a comprehensive assessment of macroeconomic developments across member states and focuses on the critical issues of food security and regional integration.

According to the Commission, the report comes amid a global environment marked by moderate economic recovery, persistent geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and increasing uncertainties affecting international supply chains.

The publication reviews recent economic performance across ECOWAS member states, evaluates medium-term growth prospects and outlines strategic policy recommendations aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region.

ECOWAS noted that strengthening food security and accelerating regional integration remain central to ensuring long-term economic stability and prosperity for the bloc’s more than 400 million citizens.

In a parallel effort to strengthen the region’s digital resilience, ECOWAS also launched the fourth edition of its Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra under the theme, “Regional Collaboration through Technology: Building the Digital Future of West Africa Together.”

The 48-hour competition, which began at 13:00 GMT on June 9 and will conclude on June 11, has brought together some of West Africa’s brightest cybersecurity talents from 12 ECOWAS member states.

Participants are engaged in practical cybersecurity challenge exercises designed to enhance critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills in responding to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The hackathon seeks to deepen regional cooperation in cybersecurity, strengthen local capacity and foster a safer and more trusted digital ecosystem across West Africa.

ECOWAS officials said the initiative reflects the bloc’s growing recognition of cybersecurity as a key pillar of economic growth, innovation and regional stability in an increasingly digital world.

Together, the economic outlook report and cybersecurity hackathon highlight ECOWAS’ broader strategy of building a more integrated, resilient, and competitive West African region capable of addressing both traditional development challenges and emerging digital risks.