From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its 4th Joint Meeting of Ministers of Trade and Industry in Abuja, Nigeria, to strengthen economic ties and industrial development across the region.
The two-day event, held from Thursday, May 15 to Friday, May 16, brings together Ministers of Trade and Industry from ECOWAS member states, senior policymakers, and representatives from the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions.
The meeting serves as a platform to advance ECOWAS Vision 2050, focusing on structural transformation, regional integration, and private sector growth. Key agenda items include updates on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a review of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union, and tariff renegotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Ministers will also discuss harmonising industrial standards under the ECOWAS Standards Harmonisation Model (ECOSHAM) and review the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) framework to promote unified regional investment strategies. Technical committee reports will guide decisions on textile industry standards, trade facilitation, and industrial policy updates.
Dr Adebayo Thomas, ECOWAS Director of Press and Public Relations, stated, “The decisions made here will shape the future of trade and industry in our region.” With shifting global economic dynamics, ECOWAS leaders view the meeting as a chance to enhance West Africa’s global competitiveness.
The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of policies to bolster trade cooperation, industrial resilience, and economic prosperity across West Africa.