ECOWAS Launc Pan-West African Caravan to Empower Women.
By Raymond Enoch
In a bold, transformative move to uplift women in trade and ignite regional economic integration, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to launch a sweeping, two-week regional caravan aimed at empowering women engaged in small-scale cross-border trade.
From June 30 to July 14, the “Regional Caravan for Women in Trade” will journey across several West African countries, beginning in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and culminating in Lagos, Nigeria. This initiative, a first of its kind in scope and reach, is designed to provide capacity-building training, practical workshops, strategic networking opportunities, and immersive field visits tailored to women operating in the often-overlooked sector of informal and small-scale trading.
Under the rallying banner of #Caravane2025, the campaign seeks to address the pressing challenges women face at borders — from bureaucratic red tape and harassment to lack of access to finance and market information. The program’s core message is clear: Empower women traders, and you strengthen the region’s economy.
“Women are the lifeblood of informal trade in West Africa,” says Dr. Amina Traoré, ECOWAS Commissioner for Trade and Industry. “Yet they remain largely underserved. This caravan is about visibility, voice, and value — it’s about shifting narratives and shaping policies that support women where it matters most: on the ground.”
What the Caravan Offers
Participants along the caravan route will gain access to:
Capacity-Building Trainings on trade facilitation, digital finance, and regulatory compliance,
Hands-On Workshops addressing gender-responsive policy navigation and business skills,Strategic Networking Sessions connecting women traders with policymakers, development partners, and regional business leaders
Field Visits to border posts and trade hubs, facilitating dialogue between traders and customs officials
The campaign will spotlight success stories and amplify local voices through public dialogues, cultural showcases, and a traveling exhibition of women-led enterprises.
This regional caravan is more than a campaign — it’s a symbol of regional solidarity and inclusive economic reform. With support from trade ministries, border authorities, and women’s cooperatives, ECOWAS envisions a West Africa where gender equity and economic empowerment go hand in hand.
The road to Lagos is paved with stories of resilience, ambition, and change. As the caravan moves through key trade corridors, it leaves behind more than footprints — it leaves behind frameworks for sustainable growth, cooperation, and equality.
Follow the journey: #Caravane2025 #WomenInTrade #ECOWAS #EmpowerHer #WestAfricaTrade
