Zuo Takes Office as ECOWAS Commissioner

By Lewis S. Teh

ABUJA, Nigeria, September 2, 2026 — Liberia’s former Deputy Minister for Economic Management, Dehpue Yenpea Zuo, has officially assumed office as ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, pledging to prioritize regional monetary integration, food security and expanded trade across West Africa.

Zuo assumed the post during an inauguration and handover ceremony at the new headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.

The ceremony brought together regional officials, diplomats, incoming and outgoing statutory appointees and other guests.

In his inaugural address, Zuo identified economic volatility, climate disruption, food insecurity and trade bottlenecks as major challenges confronting the region but said they also present opportunities for greater cooperation and economic reforms.

He outlined several priorities for the Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, including advancing regional monetary integration and efforts toward the introduction of the ECO, strengthening agricultural value chains and food systems, and expanding intra-regional trade.

Zuo also pledged to support implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050 as part of efforts to promote economic stability and sustainable growth across the region.

On agriculture, the new commissioner said greater investment is needed in agricultural value chains and regional food systems to strengthen West Africa’s resilience against global supply disruptions while creating opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.

He also identified the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as important mechanisms for removing trade barriers and expanding commerce among West African countries.

Zuo said the private sector would play a central role in the region’s economic transformation, calling for stronger cooperation between ECOWAS, governments and businesses.

“These advantages offer us a strong foundation upon which to act. We will harness them fully and deliberately as the starting point for a new regional pact aimed at transforming the private sector,” he said.

Zuo expressed appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Liberian people for nominating him to represent Liberia at the regional body.

He also thanked the Nigerian Government, the Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray for their roles in the transition.

Zuo paid tribute to his predecessor, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, saying the outgoing commissioner had established a foundation upon which his administration would build.

“The work my predecessor has already accomplished provides a strong foundation upon which we must continue to build,” Zuo said. “For me, this is a moment of renewed commitment to the ideals and aspirations of ECOWAS and its founding fathers.”

The Liberian economist pledged to lead the department with transparency, accountability and a focus on results while working with ECOWAS member states, farmers’ organizations, the private sector and international partners.

He concluded his inaugural remarks with “Thank you! Merci! Obrigado!” — reflecting the three official languages widely used within ECOWAS.