On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission launched the Cotonou stage of the third edition of an information and awareness campaign for women small-scale cross-border traders along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor. The event was organized by the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture.
The initiative aims to build on achievements from previous events held on the Tema-Paga and Dakar-Banjul-Bissau corridors. It seeks to increase women traders’ knowledge of legislation governing cross-border trade, community initiatives, and tools developed for them, particularly regarding border transparency and combating gender-based violence.
In Cotonou, activities began with field visits to a modern market and an SME run by a woman entrepreneur specializing in cosmetic products distributed nationally and sub-regionally. A visit to the Sèmè-Kraké juxtaposed control post is also planned to reinforce exchanges between various players involved.
The official launch ceremony took place at the Golden Tulip hotel. It was co-chaired by Benin’s Ministries of Social Affairs and Microfinance, and Industry and Trade. Her Excellency Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, attended alongside His Excellency Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin.
Other participants included the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance, Director of the ECOWAS National Office in Benin, representatives from Cotonou Chamber of Commerce, associations of small-scale cross-border traders, as well as technical and financial partners.
This third edition marks significant progress in ECOWAS’ commitment to economically empower women and improve cross-border trade fluidity in West Africa.