Leaders from the private sector across West Africa have pledged to strengthen regional trade, investment, and youth empowerment as part of efforts to boost economic integration and growth in the region.
The commitment was made during a regional trade summit held in Accra, organised by the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) in collaboration with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI). The event brought together chamber presidents, policymakers, development partners, financial institutions, and youth entrepreneurs.
Participants emphasised the importance of regional integration frameworks, including the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and recognised the private sector’s critical role in turning policy into tangible economic results.
While noting West Africa’s untapped potential, driven by trade, logistics, and its youthful population, stakeholders expressed concerns over high trade costs, fragmented standards, weak logistics systems, and limited market access for SMEs.
The summit declaration outlined commitments to harmonise standards, streamline customs procedures, and digitalise trade processes through electronic certification systems, single windows, and digital customs platforms. Participants also urged ECOWAS member states to remove non-tariff barriers, reduce border delays, and implement trade facilitation policies effectively.
Investment and productive capacity initiatives will focus on promoting regional value chains in agribusiness, manufacturing, and logistics, alongside creating investor-friendly regulatory environments and increasing financing for trade-supporting infrastructure.
On SME competitiveness, the declaration stressed capacity building, access to finance, digital trade adoption, and fintech solutions. Stakeholders further pledged to empower youth and women through entrepreneurship, skills development, and innovation programs.
The summit concluded with a call to strengthen public-private dialogue and operationalise the ECOWAS Business Council, with FEWACCI positioned as a strategic partner in policy formulation. Clear action plans and monitoring systems will be developed to ensure these commitments drive West Africa towards a more integrated, competitive, and prosperous future.
