African Public Square Open Debate

Описание: The African Public Square (APS) is pleased to officially announce the Second Continental African Public Square Debate to be held during the Conference on ECOWAS@50 on 31 October and 1 November 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. This event is being co-organised by the African Leadership Centre, Amandla Institute and CODESRIA, in collaboration with WATHI.

This continental edition of the APS open debate asks a core question: Are regional organisations a necessity for regional integration in Africa? The debate will open additional questions:

1. What needs will drive a future ECOWAS of peoples?

2. Can regional integration be achieved without a political community and economic base?

The debate will explore ideas for mobilizing a political community to reimagine a new future ECOWAS. By looking back to look forward, this live debate will rethink the needed organizing principles, shared norms and values that supports a political community with shared aspirations and common futures.

Also, what approaches if any exists to managing the obstacles to integration, and considering the profound change occurring among West Africans peoples, which can accelerate regional integration.