ECOWAS Concludes Regional Capacity-Building Workshop, Strengthening Support for Women Cross-Border Traders in Lomé
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded a pivotal Regional Capacity-Building Workshop for Women Cross-Border Traders and Trade Stakeholders from twelve member states on June 26, 2026, in Lomé, Togo. The workshop was a key event during the ECOWAS Regional Fortnight on Women in Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade, which ran from June 18 to 28, 2026.
Validation of Gender and Trade Strategy
A significant outcome of the workshop was the validation of the ECOWAS Gender and Trade Strategy for 2026–2030, along with its accompanying Action Plan. These strategic documents were informed by empirical data collected from five ECOWAS member states, underscoring the region’s commitment to enhancing gender equity in trade.
Mr. Mua’zu Umaru, Acting Secretary-General of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the organization’s dedication to ensuring that the new strategy translates into actionable measures at border posts. He stated that it is crucial for the strategy to have a tangible impact rather than remaining a mere policy document.
Stakeholder Engagement and Challenges
The workshop featured contributions from several notable speakers, including Professor Félix Nzué Fofana, Acting Director of Research and Statistics, and H.E. Deweh Emily Gray, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo. They acknowledged the commitment of all stakeholders and highlighted the significant outcomes achieved during the workshop.
Throughout the discussions, participants identified persistent challenges faced by women and young people engaged in small-scale cross-border trade. These challenges include informal payments, multiple checkpoints, limited access to financial resources, inadequate information on regional trade instruments, and insufficient infrastructure tailored to their needs. The workshop also recognized that women’s traders’ associations serve as effective channels for information dissemination and support.
Call for Institutional Framework and Support
Participants underscored the necessity of moving beyond political commitments. They called for the establishment of a robust institutional framework supported by sustainable financing mechanisms, monitoring and evaluation systems, and accountability measures. Specific attention was directed towards reforming border governance, enhancing the safety and security of women traders, and improving access to financial services, particularly in light of opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Lomé meeting marked a critical milestone in fostering a more inclusive and competitive cross-border trading environment in West Africa. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the new strategy through enhanced collaboration among ECOWAS institutions, member states, technical and financial partners, and organizations representing women traders.
Next Steps for Implementation
Looking ahead, the next steps will include the formal adoption of the Gender and Trade Strategy, the establishment of governance structures, resource mobilization, and the initiation of priority actions aimed at translating the workshop’s recommendations into concrete outcomes for women and young traders across the region.
This flagship event of the Regional Fortnight received support from various partners, including the Government of Togo, the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Togo, the Government of Germany through GIZ, and several ECOWAS programs aimed at organizational development and agricultural trade. Additional contributions came from the Centre for Study and International Cooperation (CECI) through the Making Trade Work for Women in West Africa project, the International Trade Centre (ITC), WiLDAF, AOCTAH, ESBC, and the 50 Million African Women Speak Platform (50MAWSP).
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-28 15:22:00 • By the Editorial Desk
