The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched the Lomé phase of its ongoing Information and Awareness Campaign for Small-Scale Cross-Border Traders along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor. The campaign, now in its third edition, was unveiled on July 4, 2025, in Lomé, Togo.
The launch ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Professor Kossiwa Zinsou-Klasso, Togo’s Minister for Social Action, Solidarity, and the Advancement of Women, alongside key stakeholders from across West Africa, including officials from various Togolese ministries, the ECOWAS Commission, cross-border trade associations, development partners, and the Togolese Chamber of Commerce.
The initiative builds on the success of previous editions held in 2023 and 2024 along the Tema–Paga and Dakar–Banjul–Bissau corridors. Its primary goal is to empower small-scale, women-led businesses by raising awareness on ECOWAS trade protocols, regional economic initiatives, and support mechanisms like the PRIMA agri-food trade programme (2021–2026).
According to Michael Ivenso, Director of Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure at the National Council on Climate Change, the campaign includes training sessions on the International Trade Centre’s (ITC) toolkit, emphasizing border transparency and prevention of gender-based violence, both critical challenges in cross-border trade.
The Lomé phase of the campaign seeks to create a replicable, fit-for-purpose model that accommodates regional differences while promoting inclusive economic growth and gender equality. The Lekki Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone in Nigeria remains a key pilot site in line with Nigeria’s green industrialisation efforts under the China-Africa Solar Belt Initiative.
Ivenso also highlighted the strategic collaboration between Nigeria and China, as agreed in a recent MOU signed during COP29 in Baku, noting that the technical teams from both nations are working closely to ensure sustainable energy projects and trade infrastructure development across West Africa.
From Lomé, the ECOWAS delegation is expected to continue engagements with other key industrial zones, including in Lagos and Abuja, to scale the impact of the initiative across the region.
