ECOWAS Host Trade Reform Talks, advances Inclusive Growth and Regional Integration. By Raymond Enoch
I
n a bold step toward forging a seamlessly integrated West African market, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened its sixth Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC) meeting from May 20–22, 2025, in Lagos Nigeria.
The high-level gathering brought together trade, customs, and private sector leaders from across the region, aiming to dismantle non-tariff barriers and fast-track trade reform under the banner of ECOWAS Vision 2050.
The meeting, a linchpin in the bloc’s strategic push to deepen economic integration, tackled critical issues such as the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Stakeholders also reviewed findings from border assessments and adopted a work plan on promoting women in trade.
On behalf of Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and
Agriculture of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS
Commission, welcomed participants to the meeting and recognized the RTFC members for their
commitment to facilitating cooperation and promoting trade between ECOWAS member states.
He highlighted that while ECOWAS is celebrating its 50th anniversary, it is also time for a deep
reflection on ways to further improve regional integration by addressing implementation gaps,
reducing time and costs to trade and harmonizing procedures for seamless trade.
Representing Nigeria’s Trade Ministry, Mr. Usman Abdullahi urged for sustained efforts to navigate global trade shifts, while Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at ECOWAS, emphasized the urgency of closing implementation gaps and harmonizing trade procedures. “This is a moment for reflection and acceleration,” he stated, noting the alignment of the meeting with ECOWAS’s 50th anniversary.
Brice Niangou Adou of TradeMark Africa praised the growing partnership between his organization and ECOWAS, highlighting the economic promise of streamlined trade systems.
With cross-border trade still burdened by bureaucracy and inconsistent regulations, the RTFC’s work is vital. By identifying best practices and aligning national strategies with regional priorities, ECOWAS is laying the groundwork for a borderless West African marketplace — one transaction at a time.
