Transport sector experts from ECOWAS and UEMOA member states, regional road haulage organizations, civil society, and technical partners convened in Cotonou, Benin, from September 26 to 27, 2024. The hybrid meeting aimed to address the persistent issue of overloading heavy goods vehicles, which contributes to road deterioration.
The meeting's objective was to evaluate the implementation of the ECOWAS Supplementary Act on Harmonization of Standards and Procedures for Checking the Dimensions, Weights, and Axle Loads of Goods Vehicles in West Africa. This act is harmonized with UEMOA Regulation 14. Discussions focused on key actions required by various stakeholders to implement the new Harmonized Supplementary Act on axle load control.
Several recommendations emerged from the discussions. It was advised that the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions should forward the signed harmonized regional Supplementary Act to member states and finalize a regional action plan for its implementation. This plan includes a timetable and actions to support professionalizing and renewing hauliers’ fleets while removing non-tariff barriers to facilitate transport corridors.
Member states were encouraged to raise awareness among stakeholders about implementing the Supplementary Act. Technical and financial partners were asked to support ECOWAS and UEMOA in coordinating regional implementation efforts. Transport operators and civil society players were urged to collaborate with entities like the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to support professionalizing West Africa's transport industry.
At the opening session on September 26, H.E. Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, highlighted the significance of the additional act for member states and the regional economy: “This additional act is very important when we consider the future that awaits us. With the adoption of studies on the construction of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Motorway, it has been demonstrated that this road axis will support over 75% of community trade, thus strengthening our regional integration.”
Mr. Chris APPIAH, Acting Director of Transport for ECOWAS, emphasized both progress made and remaining challenges: “Progress has been made, but many challenges remain. It is also hoped that West Africa can draw inspiration from Southern Africa’s economic regions (EAC, SADEC and COMESA), which have adopted a single management protocol for road axes.”
Mr. Aboubakar Sidiki TOURE, Director of Infrastructure at UEMOA, noted improvements such as reduced overloading rates but acknowledged ongoing challenges: “Nevertheless, there are still challenges to be met as long as regional road infrastructures continue to be damaged by heavy goods vehicles.” He reaffirmed UEMOA’s commitment to working with ECOWAS and member states on implementing the new Supplementary Act.
The meeting also referenced past summits where significant decisions were made regarding axle-load limits for goods vehicles. The 61st Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State approved amendments in July 2022. Subsequently, at the 65th Summit held in July 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, member states were urged to comply with these limits due to continued excessive damage caused by overloading.
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