ECOWAS Unveils ECOTIFE 2025: From Vision to Prosperity – Deepening Trade, Driving Investment, Delivering Inclusive Growth.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum and Exhibition (ECOTIFE 2025) in grand style at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Nigeria, today, 7th November 2025, as part of the activities marking the 38th Lagos International Trade Fair.
The forum, themed “From Vision to Prosperity – 50 Years of Deepening Trade, Driving Investment, Delivering Inclusive Growth,” brings together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and regional stakeholders to explore new pathways for economic integration and sustainable development across West Africa.
In his remarks, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, highlighted the symbolic return of the event to Lagos — the birthplace of ECOWAS in 1975 — describing it as a powerful reminder of the region’s unity and shared commitment to economic transformation.
“Fifty years on, we are redefining West Africa’s economic narrative. ECOTIFE 2025 is a launchpad for our Vision 2050 goal of ‘ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All’,” Dr. Touray stated.
He emphasized that ECOWAS, through strategic instruments such as the Common Investment Code, the Trade Liberalization Scheme, and the West African Common Industrial Policy, is deepening regional integration by creating a unified market that attracts investment, fosters innovation, and empowers women and youth-led enterprises.
The high-level opening ceremony featured goodwill messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Afreximbank Executive Vice President Kanayo Awani, and other dignitaries. The event also hosted sessions on regional integration, industrialization, MSME development, public-private partnerships, and the creative economy, with contributions from prominent African business and policy leaders including Dr. George Agyekum Donkor (EBID), Wamkele Mene (AfCFTA), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Nigeria’s Trade Minister), and Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture.
A major highlight of the opening day was the official unveiling of the ECOWAS Pavilion by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, followed by a tour of exhibition stands by dignitaries and invited guests, showcasing West Africa’s growing investment and trade potential. The ECOWAS Pavilion, designed as a regional showcase, featured innovations from across member states in sectors such as agro-processing, digital technology, renewable energy, and creative industries — underscoring ECOWAS’ commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
As ECOWAS marks its Golden Jubilee with the theme “Stronger Together, For a Brighter Future,” ECOTIFE 2025 reinforces its renewed focus on empowering the private sector, fostering innovation, and unlocking the region’s collective potential for inclusive prosperity — driving West Africa’s journey from vision to prosperity.
