ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme Marks 44Yrs Of Regional Integration

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Brown Card Scheme, Liberia National Office on Friday, May 29, 2026 joined it’s counterparts across West Africa in commemoration of the 44th anniversary of the Scheme.

The organization is a key organ in fostering regional integration and road safety.

The May 29 celebration, marks 44 years since the Authority of Heads of States and Government of the Economic Community of West African States convened in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and signed Protocol A/P1/5/82, thus establishing the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme.

Accordingly, the Scheme was created to protect road accident victims and road users while guaranteeing the free movement of goods and persons across the ECOWAS region.

Under Article 2, paragraph 6 of the Protocol, the ECOWAS Brown Card is compulsory and automatic for all motor liability insurance coverage.

“It is recognized as a valid certificate of insurance in all ECOWAS member states, whether within national territories, or at their frontier, serving as a condition for the circulation of motor vehicle,” the Liberia National Office said.

The Office further stated that this means that all motor liability insurance companies are required to automatically issue ECOWAS Brown Card to policyholders, ensuring coverage against third-party risks in any ECOWAS country they visit.

The Liberia National Office is therefore urging the public in general that without the ECOWAS Brown Card attached to a motor vehicle third-party liability insurance policy, the insurance coverage is incomplete.

May 29 is now being observes each year as ECOWAS Brown Card Day throughout the ECOWAS space.

The Scheme has now become synonymous with region integration, road safety and timely compensation for accident victims, by helping to eliminate insurance barriers at borders, and as well strengthen trust among member states.

 Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370