In a move to enhance preparedness against climate and disaster risks, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an international platform focused on strengthening critical infrastructure systems.
The announcement was marked on 17 February 2026 at the High Commission of India in Abuja, underscoring growing international cooperation to improve resilience across key sectors in West Africa.
Established in 2019, CDRI brings together governments, multilateral institutions, development banks, private sector actors and academic bodies to promote infrastructure capable of withstanding climate-related shocks.
The partnership supports the integration of resilience into sectors such as energy, transport, water, telecommunications, health and digital systems.
Officials said ECOWAS’ membership will improve access to global expertise, technical assistance and innovative financing aimed at reducing disaster-related losses and advancing sustainable development.
The collaboration is expected to reinforce ongoing regional efforts to address climate vulnerability and infrastructure challenges.
Development partners involved in supporting the strategy welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a step forward in promoting knowledge sharing, capacity building and regional cooperation.
They expressed optimism that the partnership will help member countries adopt stronger planning standards and improve preparedness for emerging risks.
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