In a West Africa undergoing profound economic transformation, some individuals work behind the scenes to bring markets closer together, facilitate trade, and accelerate regional integration. Among them is Kolawole Sofola. A development economist, international trade expert, and Director of Trade at ECOWAS, the Nigerian official is now one of the key figures shaping West African trade policy. From implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area to facilitating regional commerce, his work is helping define the contours of Africa’s economy of tomorrow.
In West Africa, one of the individuals driving the ambition of regional integration through trade on a daily basis is Kolawole Sofola. Originally from Nigeria, this development economist has established himself over the years as a leading expert on international trade, regional integration, and private sector development. Before joining ECOWAS, he worked for the Siemens Group in Europe, holding positions in management, finance, and business development. He also collaborated with several private-sector promotion programs in West Africa, developing expertise in economic growth, investment, and market integration.
“The AFCFTA now more than ever is an answer that we need to respond to. It not only brings our markets together but also allows us to transform, generate employment and meet the critical needs of our people. So for us, the AFCFTA, one of the pillars of the African Union, is a key pillar for the ECOWAS Commission. And just to add, to that extent the community of West African states have developed an implementation strategy. ”
KOLAWOLE SOFOLA, Director of Trade, ECOWAS – Nigeria
Today, Kolawole Sofola serves as Director of Trade at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In this strategic role, he oversees several programs aimed at strengthening trade among the fifteen member states of the regional organization. His mission is to reduce trade barriers, facilitate the movement of goods, and enhance the competitiveness of West African businesses. Over the years, he has also contributed to a number of initiatives designed to improve the business environment across the region and prepare West African economies to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In a region where intra-African trade remains relatively low, these reforms are considered essential to fostering economic growth and industrialization.
“And our strategy focuses on many pillars. One of the key pillars is recognizing that ECOWAS in itself, over 50 years old, has a lot of experience to learn from. We were a free trade area many, many years ago. So we have already that experience. So one of the pillars focuses on deepening that regional integration. However, another pillar focuses on supporting our member states who should have developed national strategies, either to do so or to help implement it. And perhaps one of the final pillars I’ll talk about is inclusivity. If the AFCFTA does not bring everybody along, only a few will not reach that desired outcome. So we carry along women-owned businesses, youth, people with disabilities. We need to make sure the AFCFTA is not just for the big companies and cities, but the small road riders as well.”
KOLAWOLE SOFOLA, Director of Trade, ECOWAS – Nigeria
Beyond the West African region, Kolawole Sofola is also among the key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This ambitious project aims to create the world’s largest integrated market in terms of participating countries. In this context, the ECOWAS Director of Trade regularly advocates for stronger regional cooperation, improved logistics connectivity, and greater private-sector participation in integration policies.
“We are closer to our people in West Africa. And we bring an additional level of connectivity. We bring an additional dimension of creating a larger market, first of all, for West Africans to benefit from.We’re now bringing the experience that we’ve developed over 50 years since our establishment. So we are really what we will call a stepping stone towards the continental markets. Our citizens are already aware of stepping beyond their national boundaries into the ECOWAS market. Now we’re helping them from that ECOWAS market into the continental markets of over 1.4 billion people.”
KOLAWOLE SOFOLA , Director of Trade, ECOWAS – Nigeria
At a time when Africa is seeking to strengthen its economic integration, Kolawole Sofola emphasizes several key priorities: the effective implementation of the AfCFTA, the modernization of trade systems, and the development of regional corridors. These are essential drivers for boosting intra-African trade and enhancing the competitiveness of West African economies. Though a discreet figure, he plays a strategic role in the gradual construction of a more connected and ambitious African economic space.
