The 4th Annual General Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Network concluded on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Banjul, Gambia. The meeting resulted in several resolutions aimed at enhancing trade within West Africa.
Participants agreed to organize regular trade fairs to promote intra-regional trade. ECOWAS member states are encouraged to actively participate in these fairs to foster collaboration and economic growth.
Resolutions included the selection of value chains that can stimulate economic development, job creation, and competitiveness. Measures were also proposed to improve infrastructure and logistics services by reducing trade barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and enhancing transport networks.
ECOWAS is tasked with supporting member states through technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building initiatives. Financially, the meeting aimed to identify partners and donors for funding various initiatives.
Other resolutions involved identifying cost-effective activities for resource efficiency; collaborating with the East African trade network; and ensuring TPOs pay their $5,300 registration fee.
In communication efforts, it was decided to design logos for greater visibility of the Network’s initiatives; develop a collaboration platform; and create a blog space on the Network’s website for information dissemination.
Trade policy recommendations included adopting mutual recognition certificates to reduce non-trade barriers and standardizing these certificates across ECOWAS member states. Strategies for priority products in each member state were suggested along with platforms linking suppliers and buyers.
Further resolutions called for participation in international conferences for knowledge acquisition; optimizing budgets; defining objectives; and organizing quarterly meetings to review progress.
Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade, expressed gratitude on behalf of Dr. Omar Alieu Touray and Mrs. Massandjé Touré-Litsé for adopting these resolutions. He congratulated Modou Mbene Gueye as the new President and Ousainou Senghore as Vice-President of the ECOWAS TPO Network for 2024-2025.
Alerts Sign-up