The Directorate of Private Sector, in partnership with the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC), is conducting a training program for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from West Africa. The event takes place from March 10 to 15, 2025, in Praia, Cape Verde.
The initiative seeks to empower MSMEs, foster regional economic growth and integration, promote gender-inclusive trade policies across Member States, and prepare businesses to leverage opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS). These efforts align with the broader goals outlined in ECOWAS Vision 2050.
Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, was represented at the event by Dr Tony Elumelu, Director of Private Sector. Dr Elumelu emphasized the importance of empowering MSMEs as key drivers of progress in the region. He encouraged participants to utilize industrialization strategies and trade frameworks to transform challenges into opportunities.
First Lady of Cape Verde, Mrs Debora Carvalho, officially opened the event. She highlighted that this training provides a valuable platform for participants to exchange experiences aimed at achieving shared objectives related to economic growth and integration.
Mr Eurico Monteiro, Cape Verde's Minister of Investment Promotion and Business Development, expressed his country's commitment to collaborating with ESBC in pursuit of West Africa's economic development and integration.
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