Senior officials of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have raised concerns over the slow implementation of key regional trade commitments, particularly persistent non-tariff barriers and delays in the free movement of goods and services across the sub-region.

The concerns were expressed at a three-day meeting of senior trade officials in Accra, where discussions are focused on accelerating the implementation of continental and regional trade frameworks, especially the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The meeting, which runs from June 9 to 10, 2026, forms part of preparations ahead of the Fifth Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade (ECOMOTI-5), scheduled for June 11 to 12 in Ghana.

Opening the meeting, the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, said the global trading environment has become increasingly uncertain, citing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and pressures on multilateral trade systems.

He stressed that a more integrated ECOWAS market is now an economic necessity rather than a policy aspiration, adding that regional cooperation remains central to building resilience, attracting investment, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods.

Mr. Ahi urged member states to accelerate the implementation of both ECOWAS and continental trade frameworks, while addressing persistent non-tariff barriers that continue to limit intra-regional trade despite existing protocols.

The ECOWAS Commission also raised concerns over implementation gaps, noting that although the region possesses significant economic potential, progress in translating trade agreements into practical outcomes has been uneven.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, ECOWAS Director of Trade, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, observed that while Africa continues to demonstrate resilience amid global economic challenges such as slowing growth and protectionist policies, stakeholders remain concerned about delays in executing key regional commitments.

He noted that consultations held during ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations reflected growing frustration among businesses and citizens over the persistence of barriers affecting trade and mobility within the region.

The Accra meeting is expected to produce recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges, with emphasis on AfCFTA implementation, trade facilitation reforms, digital trade, and the strengthening of the ECOWAS Common Market framework.

The recommendations will be submitted to ministers at ECOMOTI-5 for consideration as the bloc seeks to deepen integration and improve the efficiency of trade across West Africa.

ECOWAS speeds up AfCFTA implementation as trade issues increase in West Africa

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