The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified efforts to turn the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into practical economic gains by addressing persistent trade barriers and strengthening regional market access for businesses across West Africa.
ECOWAS made the push during its participation in the 3rd edition of the Biashara Afrika Forum held in Lomé, Togo, from 18 to 20 May 2026.
The forum brought together policymakers, trade institutions, business support organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to accelerate discussions on the implementation of the AfCFTA and deepen intra-African trade.
Key discussions focused on trade finance, digital payment systems, harmonisation of standards, removal of non-tariff barriers and the development of regional value chains to support industrial growth and cross-border commerce.
Stakeholders stressed the need for coordinated regional action to ensure that the AfCFTA moves beyond policy commitments into measurable outcomes that improve competitiveness and create business opportunities across member states.
ECOWAS also engaged partners on strengthening trade promotion networks and improving access to regional markets, with the broader goal of deepening economic integration and supporting sustainable transformation across West Africa.
