The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, met with TradeMark Africa (TMA) representatives led by Board Chairman and former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe on March 21, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. The meeting focused on evaluating the progress of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ECOWAS and TMA.
TradeMark Africa is an African Aid-for-Trade organization that aims to boost intra-African trade and increase Africa's global trade share. It operates as a non-profit entity funded by international organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, several countries such as Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
The MoU between ECOWAS and TMA was signed on May 7, 2024. It focuses on enhancing trade facilitation by improving transportation corridors, reducing trade barriers, and promoting economic integration within West Africa. An integrated work plan has been developed under this agreement with a Technical Assistant placed at the Commission to support these efforts.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray praised TMA's work in Africa and emphasized the role of trade in development and poverty reduction. "Africa has all it takes to trade within the continent and all over the world," he stated.
Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe underscored trade as a key agent for development and highlighted the need for a unified trading block in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As part of their collaboration, TMA has supported infrastructure projects like installing a solar system at Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post and plans for solar-powered streetlights. They have also conducted assessments to improve customs cooperation at border points.
TMA is working with ECOWAS Directorates on initiatives such as operationalizing Joint Border Posts and establishing a simplified trade regime framework. Their efforts aim to automate border procedures and eliminate non-tariff barriers while supporting regional standards quality infrastructure policies.
The MoU between ECOWAS and TMA is set for three years but may be extended based on mutual agreement.
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