The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has renewed its commitment to inclusive development by advancing efforts to improve the production and use of disability statistics across its member states.
A regional training workshop on disability statistics, which concluded on 2 July 2026 in Lomé, brought together officials responsible for disability data to enhance their technical capacity and promote harmonised approaches to collecting and analysing information on persons with disabilities.
ECOWAS Strengthens Disability Data Capacity to Support Inclusive Development
At the close of the workshop, participants issued a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening disability data systems throughout the region. Among the key proposals was a call on the Brazzaville Group to develop a regional practical guide for producing disability statistics using data from population censuses, household surveys and administrative records.
The participants also encouraged the Brazzaville Group to continue providing technical assistance to ECOWAS member states in preparing national disability statistics reports, helping countries improve the quality, consistency and comparability of their data.
Reliable disability statistics are considered essential for designing inclusive public policies, allocating resources effectively and monitoring progress toward national, regional and global development commitments, including the principle of leaving no one behind.
The workshop forms part of ECOWAS’ broader efforts to strengthen national statistical systems and ensure that governments have the evidence needed to address the needs of persons with disabilities in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, social protection and accessibility.
Officials say improved disability data will enable policymakers to better understand the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and develop targeted interventions that promote equal opportunities and greater social inclusion across West Africa.
By strengthening the capacity of officials responsible for disability statistics, ECOWAS is laying the foundation for more inclusive policymaking, ensuring that governments have reliable data to improve services, protect the rights of persons with disabilities and support evidence-based development across the region.
