A series of high-level technical meetings focused on regional economic integration in West Africa is taking place in Accra, Ghana, from November 19 to 21, 2025. The discussions bring together ECOWAS experts, member states, and key stakeholders to strengthen cooperation aimed at promoting economic growth and integration across the region.
The joint opening ceremony was attended by several senior Ghanaian officials: Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry; Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Hon. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture; Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture; and Amb. Francis Danti Kotia from the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Representatives from organizations such as UNDP, AfCFTA Secretariat, TradeMark Africa, AGRA, and other partners were also present.
Organized by the ECOWAS Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, the meetings aim to foster collaboration among stakeholders to support regional projects that promote economic integration. These initiatives focus on enhancing trade, boosting agricultural productivity, improving food security, and encouraging inclusive economic growth in alignment with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Amb. Francis Danti Kotia delivered remarks on behalf of Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs: “He highlighted the need for a transformative approach to human development and stressed the importance of transforming borders into interconnected spaces for the free movement of goods and people.” He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ECOWAS’s regional integration agenda.
Hon. Emelia Arthur emphasized fisheries and aquaculture’s role in food security for Ghana: “She provided details of selected initiatives being implemented including digital reforms, capacity building across Member States, promoting cross border fish trade and advancing scientific research.”
Hon. Eric Opoku called for changes in agriculture through value chain development: “He stated that the Government of Ghana was implementing a number of interventions, including the FEED Ghana programme which will support farmer cooperatives, establish farmer services centers, and promote seed sovereignty.”
Dr. Kalilou Sylla addressed ongoing challenges: “He commended West Africa’s resilience, noting that the region’s 4.3% growth rate outpaces global growth despite significant challenges.” He said: “We are a resilient region thanks to the leadership of our Heads of State, who provide guidance and vision through ECOWAS 2050. In line with this vision, the Department of Economic Affairs and Agricultural is implementing a coherent set of programmes in the areas of agriculture, trade, industry, and fisheries.”
Dr. Sylla explained that these technical meetings will work towards harmonizing national and regional strategies while reviewing mechanisms for monitoring progress effectively.
Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare urged participants to move beyond discussion toward concrete action: “She reminded attendees that these discussions must go beyond dialogue and focus on concrete actions to deepen regional integration through improved market access and the free movement of people.” She noted low intra-regional trade within ECOWAS but saw this as an opportunity to improve coordination as well as production capabilities.
Ofosu-Adjare also pointed out that AfCFTA could transform African markets by creating a single market spanning 54 countries with a combined GDP estimated at $3.4 trillion for a population totaling about 1.4 billion people.
Representatives from UNDP, AfCFTA Secretariat, TradeMark Africa and AGRA also gave goodwill messages during the event.
Over several days in Accra experts will attend four main meetings:
– The third AfCFTA Regional Committee meeting will review implementation progress.
– A workshop will assess ECOAGRIS data collection efforts.
– Another session aims to establish an advisory committee under an agreement between ECOWAS-FCWC-SRFC focused on fisheries cooperation.
– A forum will address business environment improvements along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor with attention to standards affecting trade.
Before these events began on November 18th Dr. Kalilou Sylla met with H.E. Eric Opoku to acknowledge Ghana’s continued support for regional programs related to trade and agriculture as well as its strong commitment toward greater regional integration.