The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to host the 4th Joint Meeting of Ministers of Trade and Industry from May 15–16, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together key stakeholders, including Ministers of Trade and Industry from ECOWAS Member States, senior government officials, and representatives from the ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions. This strategic gathering aims to accelerate regional economic integration, enhance industrial growth, and strengthen investment cooperation across West Africa.
As part of ECOWAS’s commitment to facilitating intra-regional trade and economic diversification, this meeting aligns with the ECOWAS Vision 2050, which seeks to drive structural transformation and private sector development. With regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta) gaining momentum, the Ministers will explore ways to deepen economic partnerships and advance implementation strategies that ensure sustainable trade growth and industrial competitiveness.
Key discussions will include the renegotiation of bound tariffs at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the review of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union, and efforts to harmonise industry standards through the ECOWAS Standards Harmonisation Model (ECOSHAM). Additionally, the Ministers will assess the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) framework for adoption, reinforcing a collective regional approach to investment promotion and economic cooperation.
The agenda includes deliberations on reports from trade, industry, and investment officials, discussions on policy recommendations from the ECIM Technical Committee, and the review of regional standards within the textile sector. The meeting will conclude with the adoption of key policies that will shape ECOWAS’s economic strategies, ensuring a thriving environment for businesses, industries, and investment across the region.
Against the backdrop of global economic shifts, this ministerial meeting presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainable development and position ECOWAS Member States to capitalise on emerging trade opportunities. The Nigerian media is invited to engage with the discussions, amplifying the significance of policy decisions made at the event while highlighting their long-term impact on industries, businesses, and communities across West Africa.
The 4th Joint Meeting of Ministers of Trade and Industry reaffirms ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic trade and investment ecosystem that paves the way for economic prosperity. By reinforcing industrial policies, strengthening trade agreements, and fostering an inclusive business environment, the decisions made in Abuja will be instrumental in advancing West Africa’s position in global trade.
Signed
Dr Adebayo Thomas
Director Press and Public relations
May 15, 2025
For further information, please contact Mr. Lassane KABORE (Email:
lkabore@ecowas.int), Director – Industry; Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA (Email:
ksofola@ecowas.int), Director – Trade with (and Ms. Martha Eloyi Maduka (Email:
mmaduka@ecowas.int), Administrative Assistant, at the Trade Directorate in copy.**.
