ECOWAS at 50: Pushing for Stronger Regional Trade and Business Integration

As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, member states are looking to deepen regional trade ties and boost business integration across West Africa as reported by Accra Street Journal

As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary this year, the upcoming celebrations in Accra, Ghana, offer more than a moment of reflection, they signal a critical opportunity for business leaders, policymakers, and investors to reshape the region’s economic future. Citizens and people of the business class will most likely be expecting measures from leaders to help trade and business within the ECOWAS community.

Confronting Barriers to Trade

Despite ECOWAS’s long-standing commitment to regional integration, intra-community trade remains significantly underutilized. In 2023, reports cited more than 400 trade barriers along key West African corridors, including excessive checkpoints, delayed customs procedures, and unofficial charges, all of which inflate business costs and impede competitiveness. According to data from the West African Development Outlook, the GDP of ECOWAS is projected to growth at a rate of 4.1% in 2025, but the existing barriers in the region and recent developments might reduce the growth rate.

These barriers further continue to undermine initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), which was designed to facilitate the free movement of goods and services. While digital platforms like the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT) hold promise in streamlining cross-border logistics, effective implementation requires stronger political will and collaboration among member states. Complicating matters further is the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, an event that has disrupted established trade routes and added uncertainty to regional supply chains. Stakeholders will expect these disruptions to be addressed during the anniversary deliberations.

Advancing Smarter Trade Policies

To ensure long-term growth, ECOWAS must prioritise harmonized regulations, reduced non-tariff barriers, and investments in transport and digital infrastructure. A renewed focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of most West African economies, is also essential for driving innovation, job creation, and inclusive development.

A Call to Action for the Next 50 Years

This milestone is not merely symbolic, it’s a call to action. The decisions taken in Accra will shape the next phase of ECOWAS’s economic evolution. With enhanced collaboration, clearer policy alignment, and a commitment to removing operational bottlenecks, the region can unlock significant opportunities for growth and integration.

For businesses, this is a moment to be proactive, engage in policy conversations, explore new markets, and help shape a more connected West Africa. With unity and determination, ECOWAS can deliver on its vision of a seamless and prosperous regional economy.

Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by samboad