Supporting the 15 ECOWAS member states in promoting free trade through the implementation of AfCFTA

Context

Although regional cooperation has recently intensified within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in the areas of trade facilitation and customs, the institutional and regulatory frameworks in the region remain insufficient for successfully negotiating, implementing and concluding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The region needs a modern unified legal framework for cross-border trade as well as detailed implementation guidelines. It also lacks fruitful cooperation between the countries and active partnerships with the private sector.

Objective

The institutional and regulatory framework conditions for implementing the AfCFTA have improved in the ECOWAS Region.

Approach

The project arranges technical assistance to the relevant technical departments of the ECOWAS Commission, member state ministries and local agencies. Technical experts provide support for specific technical tasks. These measures include:

• Providing direct technical support for developing regional policies and implementing the required measures
• Training the members of the AfCFTA implementation committees to successfully conduct their taks;
• Designing trainings for the employees of government agencies;
• Raising awareness for private sector actors, including women and youth who are involved in cross-border trade

Last update: December 2023