The ECOWAS Commission is working to remove structural barriers hindering regional economic integration. Although the organization has been in existence for 40 years, formal trade remains stagnant at between 10% and 15% of total trade. This weak performance is due to non-tariff barriers and the significant role of an informal sector that is still poorly integrated. The priority is to formalize this ecosystem by strengthening capacities and developing trade corridors. The implementation of a simplified trade regime has been identified as a major driver of transformation. This mechanism is intended to eliminate the everyday challenges faced by small-scale traders and facilitate the movement of goods. The ultimate goal is to transform local trade into a structured engine of growth for the whole of West Africa.
A decisive step towards economic integration in West Africa took place on June 16, 2026, in Banjul, The Gambia. ECOWAS experts and technical missions gathered for a strategic roundtable on the structural barriers that continue to hinder trade within the regional community. Despite ECOWAS having existed for 40 years, intra-regional trade has historically remained between 10% and 15% of total trade. This stagnation is attributed to persistent non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and an informal sector that remains the true, albeit largely invisible, driving force of the regional economy. For the experts gathered in Banjul, the urgent priority is to structure this ecosystem and move towards a formalized system through capacity building and the development of trade corridors.
“The simplified trade regime within the regional framework is a requirement, a necessity for businesses and cross-border traders, and also a necessity for formalizing the informal sector. Africa is lagging behind, and our region is still falling behind today. We still have a long way to go in terms of integration. Our trade volumes stand at around 12% to 15%. We can do better if we manage to eliminate the NTBs that our traders and other users encounter within ECOWAS.”
Mamadou Koné, Delegate of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Côte d’Ivoire
The situation is striking: while official statistics indicate low levels of trade, the reality on the ground tells a different story. When informal trade is taken into account, trade volumes between neighbouring countries would increase significantly. Razack Yessoufou, Director of Trade Facilitation at the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, provides crucial insight into this dynamic.
“It is a good solution if we can establish a regime that takes into account the difficulties faced by cross-border traders and facilitates the movement of goods. Today, when you look at the reports, the volume of goods crossing borders informally is significant. According to statistics, intra-community trade currently stands at 15%. However, when you include informal trade, the figure quickly rises to 70% or 75% of trade between neighbouring countries.”
Razack Yessoufou, Director of Trade Facilitation at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Benin
With 50 years of history behind it, FEWACCI brings together chambers of commerce and industry across West African countries to address current economic and technological challenges. Its objective is to turn this instrument into a more impactful driver of sustainable prosperity in West Africa.
“At the level of the chambers of commerce, we have reached the decision that cooperation with ECOWAS must be strengthened, as well as with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, which serves as our funding institution and can help us meet the needs of SMEs, women, young people and even persons with reduced mobility who are involved in business. We need a framework that will enable us to address their needs. As FEWACCI, the presidents of the chambers of commerce have committed to strengthening FEWACCI’s capacity to respond to ECOWAS’s aspirations.”
Aminou Akadiri, Executive Director of FEWACCI – Benin
Concluding on June 19, 2026, the technical missions in Banjul focused on harmonizing competition rules, tax transparency and consumer protection. The ultimate objective is to translate these protocols into tangible benefits for ECOWAS’s 400 million citizens, by fos…vorisant notamment la création d’emplois et la sécurité alimentaire régionale.
