Trade and investment stakeholders from across West Africa have gathered in Abuja for the 5th Annual General Meeting of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO), with a shared goal of improving trade facilitation and market integration in the region.
The meeting, convened by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the ECOWAS TPO Network and the International Trade Centre (ITC), is part of ongoing efforts to boost intra-regional commerce, reduce trade barriers, and support business growth—particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse, represented by the Director of Trade, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, said the AGM represents another step in the region’s journey toward “an ECOWAS of the Peoples: peace and prosperity for all,” in line with the goals of Vision 2050.
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President of the ECOWAS TPO Network, Mr. Modou Mbéne Gueye, stressed the importance of regional collaboration, stating: “By joining forces, sharing best practices and pooling our resources, we can strengthen trade systems, support export-ready businesses, and co-develop solutions in digital trade, logistics, and business networking.”
The meeting aims to empower trade promotion institutions across the 15 ECOWAS member states to better support exporters, especially those in the MSME category, and align efforts with continental frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This year’s discussions are also expected to focus on digital infrastructure, customs efficiency, and practical measures to improve access to regional markets.
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