PR & COMMS UPDATES
Ghana and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have announced that the Fifth Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry (ECOMOTI-5) will be held in Accra on June 11–12, 2026.
ECOWAS Director of Trade Mr. Kolawole A. Sofola, Executive Director Dr. Simeon K. Koffi of Ecowas, Director of Industry Mr. Kofi Addo, and Director of Trade Development Mr. Ebo Quayson of Ghana’s Ministry of Trade Agribusiness and Industry, respectively, made the announcement at a press conference.
The summit, according to the speakers, takes place at a critical moment as the world’s trade and investment environment continues to change as a result of initiatives to integrate continents, bilateral trade agreements, multilateral trade governance, and increased competition for foreign direct investment.
To protect the economic interests of ECOWAS Member States, they emphasised the necessity of coordinated regional actions.
Hon. Ministers will review findings and suggestions from experts in trade, industry, investment, and competition during the course of the two-day meeting.
The results of the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (MC14), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), trade facilitation initiatives, the removal of non-tariff trade barriers, and the ECOWAS Common Market Roadmap will be the main topics of discussion.
The ministers will also examine the region’s trade ties with important international partners, such as China, the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the European Union.
Officials pointed out that the Common External Tariff and the ECOWAS Customs Union depend on a cohesive regional trade policy.
In terms of investment and industrial development, participants will look at ways to boost manufacturing capacity, speed up industrialisation, and operationalise the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) in order to draw in more foreign direct investment.
Measures to improve consumer protection and competition laws throughout the area will also be discussed at the meeting.
Senior ECOWAS and UEMOA officials, trade and industry ministries, and representatives from regional and international organisations are anticipated to attend ECOMOTI-5.
Key policy choices and proposals intended to advance regional economic integration, encourage trade and investment, and promote sustainable economic growth throughout West Africa will be adopted at the summit’s conclusion.
Source: newsthemegh.com