ECOWAS Pavilion, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission
H.E. Damtien Tchintchibidja is the Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, a position she has held since 2022. In her role, she plays a pivotal part in coordinating regional initiatives, fostering economic integration, and advancing sustainable development across West Africa. H.E. Damtien Tchintchibidja has served as the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission since 2022. In this pivotal role, she is instrumental in coordinating regional initiatives, promoting economic integration, and fostering sustainable development across the West African region. Her leadership is marked by a clear focus on inclusive economic growth, good governance, and social progress, positioning her as a key figure in West Africa's development agenda. An experienced economic development specialist, H.E. Tchintchibidja leverages her deep background in business development and financial management to drive regional economic policies and cross-border cooperation. Her strategic insight is crucial for implementing effective investment strategies and harmonizing regional regulations. She is a dedicated advocate for gender equality and women’s leadership, actively promoting policies and programs designed to empower women throughout West Africa. Throughout her tenure, she has tirelessly championed initiatives aimed at strengthening West African unity. Her work includes steering programs that advance regional economic integration and supporting member states in their efforts to implement sustainable development strategies. Her prior experience as a Special Advisor to the President of Togo led her to conceptualize the “Accra Initiative,” a crucial framework for collaborative security and intelligence networking in West Africa. H.E. Tchintchibidja is actively involved in high-level discussions concerning economic development, constitutional governance, and political stability, contributing significantly to the region's overall resilience. She regularly represents ECOWAS in international forums and bilateral engagements, forging partnerships with global institutions, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders. This outreach is vital for securing support and resources for the region. Her lasting contributions include leading strategic programs for economic recovery and governance, championing the increased participation of women in leadership, and building capacity for women and youth to foster positive social impact and peacebuilding. Educated with a Master’s degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, she is also fluent in French, English, and Mandarin.