ECOWAS and EAC New Trade Path, Held Inaugural Meeting Set Agenda for African Economic Integration

By Raymond Enoch

In a landmark move to deepen economic ties and boost intra-African trade, the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) Network and the East African Community (EAC) held their first-ever engagement meeting in Abuja. This historic three-day gathering, organized by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the TPO Network and supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC), marked a pivotal step toward closer inter-regional trade cooperation.

Held under the auspices of the ECOWAS Commission, the meeting brought together senior representatives from national export promotion agencies of ECOWAS member states and delegates from the EAC Secretariat. The forum aims to establish a long-term framework for institutional dialogue, aligning both blocs in their shared pursuit of trade facilitation, SME development, and regional economic integration.

Speaking on behalf of Commissioner Massandjé TOURÉ-LITSE, the ECOWAS Director of Trade, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, emphasized that “regional trade integration and private sector development are key pillars under ECOWAS Vision 2050.” He underscored the urgent need for pragmatic collaboration in light of Africa’s evolving trade architecture.

Over the three-day engagement, participants are exchanging critical insights and best practices on trade promotion mechanisms, regional value chains, and strategies to elevate the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across West and East Africa. Particular focus is being given to the role of Trade Promotion Organisations in advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with discussions exploring actionable initiatives such as digital trade platforms, cross-border business matchmaking, and regional capacity building.

With momentum gathering behind the AfCFTA, the ECOWAS-EAC engagement signals a united front in overcoming intra-African trade barriers and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration between West and East African economic players. The meeting also lays the groundwork for future joint initiatives designed to accelerate private sector growth, enable smoother movement of goods and services, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global trade discussions.

As regional leaders deliberate in Abuja, the message is clear: Africa’s trade future lies in unity, shared knowledge, and collaborative action.