AfCFTA: ECOWAS Trains Benin Officials to Boost Trade Services, Economic Development By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation has taken a fresh step to strengthen Africa’s trade ambitions, bringing together government officials and key stakeholders in Cotonou for a national workshop aimed at improving services trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The three-day workshop, held from March 24 to 26, was organised by the ECOWAS Commission in partnership focused on helping Benin make better use of regulatory audit reports to guide reforms and strengthen its position in continental trade negotiations.
Speaking at the opening, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, described the AfCFTA as one of Africa’s most important integration projects. He said the agreement is designed to create a single market where goods and services can move freely across borders, opening up new opportunities for businesses and investors.
He noted that services such as banking, transport, telecommunications and tourism already account for more than half of Africa’s economy, making the sector critical for job creation and economic growth. According to him, improving regulations in these areas will help countries like Benin compete better and attract investment.
About 76 participants attended the workshop, including government officials, industry regulators and representatives from different service sectors. Over the three days, they examined how existing rules affect businesses and discussed ways to remove barriers that limit market access.
Participants also reviewed key findings from regulatory audits, identified priority sectors for reform and explored how to measure the impact of restrictive policies. Group discussions and technical sessions were used to develop practical recommendations that can guide both national policies and regional negotiations.
Officials say the workshop will help Benin better prepare for ongoing AfCFTA negotiations while also improving transparency and efficiency in its services sector. It is also expected to support the country in aligning its policies with continental standards.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders are expected to present clear recommendations to the Beninese government and ECOWAS on how to create a more business-friendly environment for services trade.
The ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states in implementing the AfCFTA, stressing that stronger regional cooperation remains key to achieving sustainable economic growth and deeper integration across West Africa.
