The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced a two-week regional programme aimed at strengthening the leadership, economic empowerment and trading capacity of women engaged in small-scale cross-border commerce across West Africa.
The Regional Fortnight on Women’s Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade will take place in Lomé, Togo, from 18 to 28 June 2026, bringing together government representatives, women traders, financial institutions, border management agencies, private-sector stakeholders and development partners.
According to ECOWAS, the initiative forms part of the implementation of its Gender and Trade Action Plan and marks one of the concluding activities of the regional bloc’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
In a statement, ECOWAS said the programme is designed to recognise and strengthen the contribution of women traders to regional integration, food security and economic development across member states.
“Women play a critical role in cross-border trade and regional economic growth. This initiative seeks to enhance their capacity, visibility and access to opportunities within the regional market,” the organisation said.
The programme will feature an awareness caravan along major trade corridors, a regional trade fair showcasing products from women-led agricultural, fisheries and artisanal value chains, and specialised training sessions on ECOWAS trade instruments, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and women’s entrepreneurship.
Participants are also expected to discuss challenges affecting women traders, including access to finance, border procedures and market opportunities, while exploring practical solutions to improve their participation in regional trade.
ECOWAS said the initiative reflects its commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive economic growth across West Africa.
