Accra to host Fifth ECOWAS Trade and Industry Ministers meeting
Ghana, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will host the Fifth Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry (ECOMOTI-5) in Accra from June 11 to 12, 2026.
The upcoming meeting was announced at a press briefing attended by ECOWAS Director of Trade, Kolawole A. Sofola; ECOWAS Executive Director, Dr Simeon K. Koffi; Director of Industry, Kofi Addo; and Director of Trade Development at Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Ebo Quayson.
Addressing journalists, the officials highlighted the importance of the meeting amid significant changes in the global trade and investment environment. They pointed to evolving multilateral trade systems, the implementation of continental integration initiatives, bilateral trade agreements, and increasing competition for foreign direct investment as factors requiring stronger regional cooperation.
According to the organisers, ECOMOTI-5 will provide a platform for member states to coordinate responses aimed at protecting and advancing the economic interests of the ECOWAS region.
Over the two-day event, ministers will deliberate on reports and recommendations submitted by experts in trade, industry, investment and competition. Key discussions will focus on the outcomes of the 14th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference (MC14), implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), trade facilitation initiatives, the removal of non-tariff barriers and progress on the ECOWAS Common Market Roadmap.
Participants will also review ECOWAS’ trade engagements with major international partners, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and China. Officials stressed the importance of maintaining a coordinated regional trade policy to safeguard the ECOWAS Customs Union and the Common External Tariff.
On industrialisation and investment, the ministers are expected to assess strategies to strengthen manufacturing capacity, accelerate industrial growth and operationalise the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) as a means of attracting increased foreign direct investment into the region.
The meeting will further examine ways to enhance competition regulation and consumer protection frameworks across member states.
ECOMOTI-5 is expected to attract trade and industry ministers, senior officials from ECOWAS and UEMOA, as well as representatives from regional and international organisations.
The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of policy recommendations and decisions aimed at deepening regional economic integration, boosting trade and investment, and supporting sustainable economic development across West Africa.
Comments (0)