ECOWAS deepens coordination for effective implementation of the AfCFTA IN West Africa

The ECOWAS Commission convened the 3rd Meeting of the Regional Committee on the Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from 19 to 21 November 2025 in Accra, Ghana.

The Regional AfCFTA Committee (RAC), established under the ECOWAS Regional AfCFTA Strategy adopted by the Council of Ministers in July 2023, drives the implementation of the Agreement across the region. Its mandate is to strengthen national and regional alignment, support Member States in meeting their obligations under the AfCFTA, and ensure that West Africa fully leverages the opportunities presented by the Agreement.

The meeting brought together representatives from all 12 Member States, alongside the AfCFTA Secretariat and UNDP.

Over the three days, delegates reviewed progress under the ECOWAS Regional AfCFTA Strategy and examined tools to strengthen monitoring and coordination. Updates from Member States demonstrated meaningful progress in strengthening national implementation mechanisms, advancing tariff liberalisation processes, and ongoing stakeholder sensitisation efforts.

Discussions also highlighted areas requiring further improvement, including resource mobilisation, data management, and continued private-sector engagement. A key outcome was the adoption of the 2026 RAC Workplan, with Member States reaffirming their commitment to its effective implementation and to improving information flow for monitoring and reporting.

In his remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Billy Konjoh, Chief Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the meeting, emphasised the transformative potential of the AfCFTA for over 400 million West Africans and underscored the Committee’s responsibility to sustain momentum and deepen coordination at all levels.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, commended Member States for their commitment and highlighted major accomplishments since the RAC’s establishment, such as the consolidation of Trade in Services commitments, capacity-building efforts, and strengthened national implementation structures.

In her remarks, Madam Stella Ansah, Director at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry of the Republic of Ghana, called for continued collaboration among Member States to consolidate achievements and close remaining gaps.

This technical meeting was preceded by an official Joint Opening Ceremony held at the Kempinski Hotel, which brought together senior officials from the Government of Ghana, the ECOWAS Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat, development partners, and delegates from all participating Member States.