The ECOWAS Parliament has partnered with private sector organisations to strengthen regional trade, investment and youth participation in West Africa’s integration process.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the ECOWAS Parliament @25 year-long commemorative programme, organised in collaboration with Duchess Naturals Limited and Borderless Trade and Investment, among other partners.
Parliament seeks stronger citizen engagement
Speaker of the Parliament, Mémounatou Ibrahima, said the collaboration with the private sector would help increase awareness among young people and entrepreneurs about opportunities created by regional integration policies.
Represented by the Director of Political Affairs and Research, Kabeer Garba, the Speaker noted that the partnership would encourage more citizens to benefit from trade, innovation and investment opportunities across the region.
“Our greatest strength as an ECOWAS institution is the fact that we represent the people. We provide a voice and conscience for them and defend their interests,” she said.
Ibrahima reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to engaging citizens and addressing challenges affecting the region through policies that support economic development and cooperation.
Private sector backs regional trade agenda
Chief Executive Officer of Duchess Naturals Limited, Victoria Akai, said the private sector partnership aims to deepen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities for businesses across West Africa.
She described the ECOWAS Parliament as a critical partner in promoting regional trade, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment.
“As private sector partners committed to regional economic development, we are proud to support the Parliament in delivering a year-long programme of activities across several member states,” Akai said.
According to her, the initiative will focus on regional trade and SME development, women’s economic empowerment, youth innovation, civic engagement and cultural heritage.
Programme to connect regional stakeholders
Managing Partner of Borderless Trade and Investment, Olori Boye-Ajayi, said the programme would bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators and civil society groups to deepen collaboration across the subregion.
She explained that participants will come from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Togo and Sierra Leone.
She added that the initiative is designed to strengthen cross-border economic opportunities and promote youth-driven innovation in the region.
Financial institutions join trade initiative
Team Lead for Global Trade and Structured Finance at Providus Bank, Biodun Ariyo, said the bank joined the programme to help expand cross-border trade financing and support businesses operating within the ECOWAS market.
According to him, the platform provides financial institutions with an opportunity to broaden their reach while supporting regional economic integration.
Bridging the gap between ECOWAS and citizens
In a related development, Chief Communication Officer of the ECOWAS Parliament, Uche Duru-Nwaotule, said the programme would also help close the gap between the institution and citizens across West Africa.
He noted that increased awareness campaigns and outreach initiatives would help ordinary citizens better understand the role of ECOWAS and how regional policies can improve economic opportunities.
The organisers said the year-long programme will feature trade forums, youth innovation programmes and civic engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening regional integration and economic collaboration across West Africa. 🌍📈
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