ECOWAS Trade Officials Meet in Accra to Advance Regional Integration and Trade Agenda
Senior Trade Officials from member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have begun a meeting in Ghana to deliberate on key regional and global trade issues.
The meeting set for June 8-10 comes ahead of the Fifth Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade (ECOMOTI-5), scheduled for June 11–12 in the country.
Opening the meeting, the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, welcomed delegates and emphasised the importance of regional solidarity in the face of growing global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and challenges to multilateral trade systems.
He described a stronger and more integrated ECOWAS market as an economic necessity, stressing that regional cooperation remains the most effective tool for building resilience, attracting investment, creating jobs, and improving the livelihoods of citizens across West Africa.
Ahi urged member states to accelerate the implementation of regional and continental trade frameworks, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while addressing persistent non-tariff barriers and protecting the integrity of the ECOWAS Customs Union and Common External Tariff.
Representatives of the ECOWAS Commission highlighted the region’s significant human and natural resource potential and called for stronger collaboration to expand market opportunities, harmonise trade policies, and facilitate the movement of goods, services, and investments across borders.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, ECOWAS Director of Trade, Mr Kolawole Sofola, noted that despite a difficult global trading environment characterised by slowing growth, protectionist measures, and supply chain disruptions, Africa continues to demonstrate resilience and remains well-positioned for economic growth.
He, however, observed that consultations conducted during ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary celebrations revealed growing concerns among businesses and citizens over the slow implementation of regional commitments, particularly regarding the removal of non-tariff barriers and the free movement of goods and people.
The meeting is expected to develop recommendations on issues including the post-WTO MC14 roadmap, AfCFTA implementation, trade facilitation, digital trade, regional trade partnerships, and the ECOWAS Common Market.
These recommendations will be presented to Ministers of Trade during ECOMOTI-5 as the region seeks to deepen integration and accelerate economic development.
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