The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened a two-day meeting in Dakar, Senegal, from November 28 to 29, 2024. This gathering marked the official launch of a Technical Sub-Committee on Women in Trade under the Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC). The meeting's agenda focused on addressing trade obstacles faced by women traders at borders and developing a multi-year action plan for the RTFC technical sub-committee on women in trade.
Madame Maimouna Dieye, Senegal’s Minister of Family and Solidarity, represented by Madame Astou Diouf Gueye, Director of Gender Equity and Equality, officially launched the meeting. In her speech, Minister Maimouna Dieye highlighted West Africa's collective commitment to overcoming challenges that hinder women's participation in trade and leveraging their potential as economic drivers.
Dr. Serigne Guèye Diop, Senegal’s Minister of Industry and Trade, outlined various obstacles hindering women's ability to participate in cross-border trade. He mentioned institutional, cultural, and economic barriers that contribute to keeping women in the informal economy without access to necessary resources for business growth. Dr. Diop expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission for its efforts toward implementing a common trade policy and dynamic approach to trade facilitation through the RTFC.
Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, spoke on behalf of Mme Massadjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. He affirmed that women's participation in international and regional trade is vital for achieving inclusive economic growth in West Africa and contributing to ECOWAS Vision 2050 objectives. Mr. Sofola emphasized that creating a technical sub-committee on women in trade aims to ensure gender mainstreaming in trade facilitation interventions.
Dr. Barbara Ky, Director of Gender at the Commission of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), described this inaugural meeting as crucial for strengthening women's role in cross-border trade and promoting greater economic integration in West Africa. She noted UEMOA's longstanding collaboration with ECOWAS on implementing trade facilitation measures benefiting member states with a focus on women traders.
The meeting was attended by experts and delegates from ministries responsible for gender issues across member states. Representatives from organizations such as the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP), Federation of Businesswomen and Women Entrepreneurs (FEFA/FEBWE), Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), along with experts from ECOWAS Commission and World Bank Group were also present.
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