New: ECOWAS Launches Initiative for Women Cross-Border Traders in Lomé

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially launched the Regional Fortnight on Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade by Women in the ECOWAS Region in Lomé, under the theme: “Women Cross-Border Traders: Driving Regional Integration for 50 Years.”

The high-level ceremony was presided over by Togo’s Minister of Economy and Strategic Planning, H.E. Badanam Patoki, on behalf of the Togolese government. It brought together senior ECOWAS officials, including Resident Representatives, commissioners, directors, representatives of member states, cross-border women traders’ organizations, and technical partners.

Organized from 18 to 28 June 2026 as part of ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary celebrations, the initiative seeks to recognize and strengthen the critical role of women in regional integration, intra-community trade, economic growth, and social cohesion.

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Women constitute between 70 and 80 percent of cross-border traders along key corridors in the region. However, they continue to face significant challenges such as border harassment, gender-based violence, limited access to finance, complex administrative procedures, and poor infrastructure.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, whose remarks were delivered by Professor Félix Nzué Fofana, Acting Director of Research and Statistics, stressed the need for action:

“Having gathered concerns and identified the challenges faced by women traders through our regional campaigns, the time has now come to propose concrete, coordinated, and sustainable solutions. Women are the driving force behind regional trade and must fully benefit from the opportunities offered by ECOWAS economic integration.”

Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, described the Fortnight as “a platform for listening, dialogue, and action,” adding that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 cannot be achieved without the full participation of women.

The two-week programme builds on awareness campaigns conducted between 2023 and 2025 along major corridors including Tema–Ouagadougou, Dakar–Banjul–Bissau, and Abidjan–Lagos. It will feature a rich agenda including a regional mini-caravan at the Hilacondji (Togo-Benin) and Aflao (Togo-Ghana) border posts, a trade fair showcasing women-led agricultural, fisheries, and artisanal products, capacity-building workshops on trade facilitation, the AfCFTA, financial inclusion, and digital trade.

Other highlights include the validation of the new ECOWAS Gender and Trade Strategy 2026–2030 and the official launch of the ECOWAS Women Cross-Border Traders Network to enhance cooperation and policy representation for women traders.

The Regional Fortnight brings together stakeholders from all 12 ECOWAS member states, government ministries, customs administrations, financial institutions, and development partners, reflecting a comprehensive approach to removing barriers and promoting women’s economic empowerment.