By Samuella Quartey
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has made a strong call for the harmonization of trade standards across ECOWAS to help facilitate the free movement of goods and deepen intra-African trade.
Speaking during the 4th Joint Meeting of ECOWAS, Ministers of Trade and Industry held in Abuja, Nigeria from May 15 to 16, 2025, Madam Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the urgent need for member states to streamline standards and regulations, noting that such harmonization is critical for eliminating trade barriers and promoting economic integration.
The meeting brought together Ministers and officials from ECOWAS member states to discuss multilateral, continental, regional, and bilateral trade matters. Key topics included the outcomes of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13), the implementation status of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and efforts to enhance competition and consumer protection across the region.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare noted that as ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, it is a time for reflection on progress made and an opportunity to chart a new course toward stronger regional cooperation. She described current global economic challenges including geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, and inflation as a wake-up call for the region to act decisively.
“This is a pivotal moment for West Africa. We must seize the opportunities offered by AfCFTA to reset trade imbalances, enhance market access, and drive industrial growth across the continent,” she said. She cited projections that AfCFTA could add as much as US$45 billion or 7% to Africa’s GDP by 2035.
On the issue of infrastructure and logistics, Madam Ofosu-Adjare stressed the importance of collaboration between Ministers of Trade & Industry and their counterparts in the Transport sector. “Failure to address logistical challenges urgently will undermine private sector efforts and limit the potential for deeper bilateral trade,” she warned.
The ECOWAS Commission, represented by Mrs. Toure-Litse, reiterated its commitment to accelerating regional integration and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness through the removal of trade barriers and development of quality infrastructure.
Dr. Paul Koffi Koffi, speaking on behalf of the WAEMU Commission, expressed WAEMU’s readiness to work closely with ECOWAS in addressing shared challenges within the sub-region.
Senator John Owan Enoh, representing the Government of Nigeria, expressed optimism that the meeting’s recommendations would lead to meaningful progress in industrial development and intra-regional trade.
Chairing the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister for Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, commended the participation of her fellow Ministers, saying their collective presence highlighted a shared commitment to advancing economic integration and regional prosperity.
Mr. Kofi Addo and Mrs. Stella Akosua Ansah from the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry; Mr. Yao Fechin Akoto from the Ghana Revenue Authority; and Mrs. Diana A. Amponsah of the Ghana Standards Authority represented Ghana at the Experts Meeting.
