WorldStage– The ECOWAS Parliament has wrapped up its Second Extraordinary Session in Port Harcourt with the adoption of a UA19.6 million ($26 million) budget for 2026, alongside a bold plan to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) for legislative innovation and regional integration.
Speaker Hadjia Memounatou Ibrahima described the budget as a “commitment engine” that will fund key priorities, including recommendations from the just-concluded Parliamentary Seminar on AI. The 2026 allocation represents a 5% increase from last year, with 98.6% expected to come from the Community Levy.
While warning that some member states are lagging in levy payments, the Parliament emphasized that AI adoption will be pursued responsibly, with safeguards against disinformation and human rights violations.
Beyond fiscal matters, the regional legislature also announced plans to celebrate its 25th anniversary in November 2025, highlighting achievements in deepening democracy and cross-border cooperation despite ongoing instability in parts of West Africa.
Parliamentarians and stakeholders hailed the anniversary as a chance to showcase resilience and chart a more innovative, youth-focused future for the community.
