ECOWAS TPO Network Convenes in Abuja to Deepen Regional Trade and Market Integration.
By Raymond Enoch
Regional trade and market integration took center stage in Abuja as trade leaders from across West Africa gathered for the 5th Annual General Meeting of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) Network. Held under the auspices of the ECOWAS Commission, and in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the three-day summit brings together key stakeholders committed to reshaping the economic architecture of the ECOWAS region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, delivered remarks on behalf of Madam Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. He described the AGM as a strategic milestone aligned with ECOWAS Vision 2050, a transformative framework aimed at building “an ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All.”
“This gathering reflects our collective ambition to foster a unified, inclusive trade ecosystem in West Africa,” Sofola said. “Through dialogue, cooperation, and innovation, we aim to bolster intra-regional commerce, reduce trade barriers, and elevate the global competitiveness of our businesses.”
Declaring the meeting open, Mr. Modou Mbéne Gueye, President of the ECOWAS TPO Network, reiterated the necessity of regional solidarity. “No single country can thrive in isolation in today’s global economy,” he stated. “This AGM offers us a platform to share knowledge, standardize practices, and design responsive trade facilitation systems that support our exporters—especially SMEs—as they explore and penetrate new markets.”
The 2025 AGM is structured around key strategic themes that reflect the pressing needs and opportunities within the ECOWAS trade space:
Enhancing Trade Facilitation: Participants will examine ways to streamline customs procedures, reduce logistical bottlenecks, and harmonize trade-related regulations across the 15 ECOWAS member states
Expanding Export Market Access: A major focus is on developing robust support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete effectively in regional and international markets.
Promoting Digital Trade: The AGM seeks to advance digital tools and platforms that will modernize trade processes, enhance transparency, and connect West African businesses to global value chains.
Strengthening Regional Business Networks: The event aims to deepen inter-agency collaboration and foster public-private partnerships that stimulate economic growth and job creation.
The AGM also provides a vital forum for reviewing the implementation of past resolutions and setting new targets to ensure continuous progress.
As the ECOWAS region faces growing pressure to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on commodity exports, the outcomes of this year’s AGM are expected to influence the next wave of trade and investment strategies across the region.
The meeting continues through 27 June, with panel sessions, technical workshops, and bilateral discussions shaping what is expected to be a landmark event in the drive toward economic integration in West Africa.
