Abuja: Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, has called on her counterparts in the West African sub-region to fast-track the harmonisation of trade standards to facilitate the free movement of goods across ECOWAS member states. She made this call at the Fourth Joint Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry held in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 13 to 15, 2025.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs Ofosu-Adjare noted that the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should inspire member countries to chart a new path toward deeper economic integration. She emphasized the need for regional economic empowerment amidst challenges posed by geopolitical realignments, global inflation, and disruptions in supply chains.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare urged the Ministers to leverage the current momentum to reset regional trade relations, accelerate the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, and advance the accession process to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She highlighted the AfCFTA’s potential to transform Africa’s economy, with a projected GDP of £2.7 trillion or US$3.4 trillion by 2035, significantly boosting intra-African trade.
On infrastructure, the Minister called for a joint meeting between ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry and Ministers of Transport to address persistent challenges in transport and logistics. She warned that failure to tackle these issues could undermine efforts to boost intra-regional trade and industrialisation.
The Fourth Joint Meeting reviewed key trade issues, including the outcomes of the 13th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference held in Abu Dhabi. It also addressed developments surrounding the AfCFTA, multilateral trading relations, and a draft cooperation agreement between the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) and member states.
Mrs Massandj© Toure-Litse, representing the ECOWAS Commission, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to advancing economic integration across the region. She mentioned efforts to remove non-tariff barriers, enhance quality infrastructure, and promote regional value chains and investment.
Dr Paul Koffi Koffi, representing the President of the WAEMU Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s collaboration with ECOWAS to tackle common challenges facing the sub-region. Senator John Owan Enoh, representing the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed optimism about producing actionable outcomes on industrial development and intra-regional trade improvement.
Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Chairperson of the Fourth Joint Meeting, commended the Ministers for their strong engagement and reaffirmed the collective commitment to regional integration and economic growth.