ECOWAS Ministers meet in Abuja to discuss regional trade, industrial growth
By Kunle Sanni
Ministers of Trade and Industry from across West Africa have gathered in Abuja for the 4th Joint Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry, a high-level regional summit held from May 15–16, 2025.
The two-day event brings together senior government officials, representatives from the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions, and other stakeholders to chart a new path for economic integration, industrial development, and investment cooperation in the region.
This meeting marks a key milestone under ECOWAS Vision 2050, which highlights structural economic transformation and private sector development as drivers of regional prosperity.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gaining momentum, ministers are focusing on strengthening intra-regional trade and positioning West African economies for global competitiveness.
Key agenda items include renegotiating bound tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO), reviewing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union, and harmonizing industrial standards through the ECOWAS Standards Harmonisation Model (ECOSHAM).
Ministers are also reviewing the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) framework, a strategic policy to boost cross-border investment and improve the ease of doing business across the subregion. Discussions will include reports from technical committees on trade, industry, and investment, along with evaluations of textile sector standards.
Dr. Adebayo Thomas, ECOWAS Director of Press and Public Relations, said the meeting’s outcomes will shape regional trade and industry policies for years ahead. “This summit reaffirms ECOWAS’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive trade environment that fuels growth and prosperity for all member states,” he stated.
The meeting arrives at a crucial time as West African economies navigate global shifts and seek new growth opportunities. The policy recommendations adopted in Abuja are expected to significantly boost industrial productivity, expand trade, and attract sustainable investment across the region.
