ECOWAS, EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY LAUNCHES JOINT TRADE PROMOTION TALKS IN ABUJA 26-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu In a landmark move to deepen inter-regional trade cooperation, the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) Network and the East African Community (EAC) convened their inaugural engagement meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
The three-day event, organised by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership with the ECOWAS TPO Network and supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC), brought together senior representatives from national export promotion agencies across West Africa and delegates from the EAC Secretariat.
The meeting is aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration on trade promotion, regional integration, and private sector development across both blocs.
Central to discussions are strategies to strengthen intra-regional trade, streamline trade facilitation, and integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into regional and continental value chains.
Participants are also exchanging best practices in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), improving digital trade systems, promoting inter-regional business matchmaking, and advancing capacity-building initiatives.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Touré-Litse, the Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, reiterated the importance of the initiative, stating that:
“Regional trade integration and private sector development are key priorities under ECOWAS Vision 2050. This meeting is a milestone in aligning trade promotion efforts between West and East Africa.”
The engagement reflects a growing commitment by African regional blocs to jointly position the continent for stronger economic resilience, enhanced trade competitiveness, and successful AfCFTA implementation.