ECOWAS Pushes AfCFTA From Policy To Profit At Lomé Trade Forum
As African nations intensify efforts to unlock the economic promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Economic Community of West African States has called for stronger regional cooperation to turn trade policies into real business opportunities for West African enterprises.
The regional bloc made the call during the 3rd Edition of the Biashara Afrika Forum held in Lomé from May 18 to 20, 2026, where policymakers, trade institutions, business support organisations and small businesses gathered to advance implementation of the AfCFTA.
Discussions centred on trade finance, digital payment systems, standards harmonisation, regional value chains and the removal of non-tariff barriers hindering intra-African trade.
ECOWAS also engaged stakeholders on improving market access and strengthening trade promotion networks to boost regional competitiveness and sustainable economic transformation across West Africa.
Participants stressed that coordinated action among governments, businesses and trade institutions would be critical in transforming the AfCFTA from a continental vision into measurable economic gains for African businesses and citizens.
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