UNIDO Chief and ECOWAS President Discuss Boosting Trade and SMEs in Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
A high-level delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), led by its Director General Mr. Gerd Müller, visited the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
The meeting, is a significant step towards strengthening the collaboration between the two organizations, focused on advancing trade, industrialization, and sustainable economic growth in the region.
Central to the discussions was the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Program (ATCMA) – Regional Component (WACOMP II), a joint initiative aimed at enhancing intra-African and European Union trade. Both leaders emphasized the critical need to tackle challenges such as market access, value addition, reduction of trade barriers, and quality compliance. They also explored ways to improve standards and support the diversification of African economies by enhancing value addition across key industries.
A significant part of the conversation was dedicated to bolstering the capacities of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across West Africa. With a focus on improving their business practices and facilitating export opportunities, the discussions underscored the role of SMEs in driving regional growth and increasing Africa’s competitiveness in global markets.
The meeting highlighted a shared commitment to boosting industrialization and economic cooperation in the ECOWAS region, with both organizations working towards a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable African market.
