On June 30, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission initiated a training and capacity-building workshop in Banjul, Gambia. The event was aimed at legal advisers from EU institutions and focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The workshop is part of ECOWAS’ ongoing efforts to align its legal frameworks with the AfCFTA’s regulatory requirements. It aims to equip legal advisers with the necessary tools to support the implementation of this initiative both regionally and nationally.
Representing Mrs. Mas-sandjé Touré-Litsé, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade, welcomed participants. He emphasized the importance of lawyers in regional integration: “This workshop is not only timely, it is essential. As the legal guarantors of our integration process, your expertise is crucial to ensuring that ECOWAS plays a leading role in the operationalisation of the AfCFTA,” he stated.
The opening address was delivered by Honourable Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Speaking on behalf of the Court, he expressed gratitude to the Commission for organizing this workshop and reiterated the Court’s commitment to supporting AfCFTA’s implementation through its judicial mandate. He then officially commenced proceedings set to last four days.