ECOWAS Launches Inclusive Awareness Campaign in Abidjan to Empower Women Traders.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has in a vibrant show of regional unity and economic foresight to support and empower Women Traders has launched its third edition of a high-impact awareness campaign aimed at positioning of women engaged in small-scale cross-border trade along the bustling Abidjan–Lagos corridor.
Held in the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, the launch brought together a diverse group of stakeholders under one roof, including senior government officials, women entrepreneurs, trade experts, and development partners. The event which was co-chaired by the Ivorian Ministers of Trade and of Women, was also graced by H.E. Massandjé Touré-Litsé, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission.
The event marked a pivotal moment for Commission’s ongoing efforts to build inclusive regional trade structures that recognize and uplift the vital role of women traders. The campaign, supported by the German development agency GIZ, is designed to raise awareness among women about their rights, resources, and responsibilities in cross-border commerce. It also provides a platform for dialogue between traders and authorities to address the practical barriers women face, from customs delays to harassment and limited access to market information.
“This initiative is more than a campaign—it is a movement,” said Commissioner Touré-Litsé. “Women are the backbone of local and regional trade in West Africa. Empowering them means empowering families, communities, and the regional economy.”
The day’s activities included a public town hall, where women traders shared personal experiences and offered recommendations on improving trade facilitation. These grassroots stories underscored the urgency of ECOWAS’s mission: to create a seamless and secure trading environment that unlocks the full potential of women entrepreneurs.
This third awareness campaign builds on previous editions launched in other key trade hubs, reinforcing the ECOWAS Vision 2050 goals of inclusive development and regional economic integration. Through this campaign, ECOWAS seeks not only to inform but to transform—ensuring that women are not just participants but leaders in shaping the future of West African trade.
As the corridors connecting West African economies pulse with opportunity, ECOWAS’s continued advocacy for women traders ensures that no one is left behind in the region’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive growth.
