The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), conducted a regional media training session in Abuja from December 11 to 12, 2025. The event was organized under the EU-funded Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) programme, which aims to enhance journalists’ ability to report on Quality Infrastructure throughout West Africa.
The ATCMA ECOWAS programme, supported by €50 million from the European Union, is implemented by UNIDO and the International Trade Centre (ITC). Its goal is to increase sustainable trade within Africa and between Africa and Europe by improving market access and export competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises in specific value chains.
During the two-day hybrid training, journalists and communication officers from ECOWAS Member States participated in sessions focused on standards, metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment. These topics were addressed to help participants communicate technical concepts in ways that highlight their impact on citizens, businesses, and regional integration.
Dr. Kalilou Sylla, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, represented by Mr. Koissi Midaye, Principal Programme Officer, opened the training. He stated: “Quality is no longer optional, but a strategic necessity for accessing and sustaining presence in reference markets, strengthening regional value chains, and improving the quality of life of citizens across the Community.” He added that Quality Infrastructure is central to economic transformation, public health, market confidence, and cross-border trade as outlined in ECOWAS Vision 2050.
Representing the European Union at the event was Mr. Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS. He said: “Harmonised quality rules safeguard consumers while enabling manufacturers, traders, and investors to operate confidently across borders.” He emphasized that clear standards are especially important for sectors like pharmaceuticals and food fortification to ensure safety and trust. According to him: “Clear and predictable standards…are central to the EU’s Global Gateway strategy,” which supports investment in West Africa.
Mr. Bernard Bau, Project Manager of ATCMA ECOWAS at UNIDO noted: “This is a great opportunity for the region, for consumers, manufacturers, producers, investors, and everybody to really make the most of this technical cooperation.” He stressed that building a strong quality culture is crucial for ECOWAS countries and highlighted the media’s important role.
Technical sessions led by Prof. Dr. Adalberto Vieira provided practical information about how metrology, standardization, and conformity assessment support consumer protection and fair trade.
Participants engaged in practical exercises where they applied new knowledge to real-world scenarios. These activities aimed to reinforce how media can not only report events but also examine systems critically while informing public debate on quality issues.
The event was moderated by Mr. Saikou Suwareh Jabai of UNIDO in coordination with the ECOWAS Communication Directorate. This reflects ECOWAS’s commitment to using strategic communication as a tool for regional integration.
According to information from its official website, ECOWAS is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1975 that works toward cooperation among West African nations through harmonized policies on trade and development. It operates various programs supporting free movement among member states with its headquarters located in Abuja.
The recent training forms part of broader efforts by ECOWAS to strengthen regional integration as described under Vision 2050 goals. By focusing on informed media coverage regarding Quality Infrastructure—which includes standards relevant for trade—the organization aims to promote sustainable development across West Africa.