The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially launched, on Thursday, 18 June 2026 in Lomé, the Regional Fortnight on Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade by Women in the ECOWAS Region, under the theme: “Women Cross-Border Traders: Driving Regional Integration for 50 Years.”

The official ceremony was presided over by H.E. Badanam Patoki, Minister of Economy and Strategic Planning, who launched this regional initiative on behalf of the Togolese government, in the presence of representatives of the Togolese government, H.E. Deweh Emily Gray, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo, H.E. Zelma Fassinou, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Félix Nzué Fofana, Acting Director of Research and Statistics representing the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Ms. Sandra Oulaté FATTOH, Director of the ECOWAS Center for Gender Development, as well as representatives of member states, technical and financial partners, the private sector, organizations of cross-border women traders, and numerous guests.

Organized from 18 to 28 June 2026 as part of the celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of ECOWAS, this Fortnight reflects the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the role of women in the regional integration process by highlighting their vital contribution to intra-community trade, economic growth, and social cohesion among the peoples of West Africa.

Women account for between 70 and 80 percent of cross-border traders along several corridors in the region. Despite their significant contribution to regional economic dynamism, they continue to face numerous challenges, including border harassment, gender-based violence, limited access to finance, complex administrative procedures, and inadequate infrastructure.

Through this Regional Fortnight, the ECOWAS Commission aims to build on the achievements of awareness campaigns conducted between 2023 and 2025 along the Tema–Ouagadougou, Dakar–Banjul–Bissau, and Abidjan–Lagos corridors, with a view to transforming lessons learned into concrete actions that will sustainably improve the conditions under which women engage in small-scale cross-border trade.

In his remarks read by Prof. Félix Nzué Fofana, Dr. Kalilou Sylla stated: “Having gathered concerns and identified the challenges faced by women traders through our regional campaigns, the time has now come to propose concrete, coordinated, and sustainable solutions. Women are the driving force behind regional trade and must fully benefit from the opportunities offered by ECOWAS economic integration.”

The Commissioner also emphasized the need to strengthen synergies among the Commission’s Directorates and Specialized Agencies, particularly within the framework of the “Water-Energy-Food and Gender Nexus” initiative, in order to implement transformative projects benefiting women and youth.

For her part, Professor Fatou Sow Sarr recalled that: “This Fortnight is first and foremost a platform for listening, dialogue, and action. Our ambition is to bring ECOWAS closer to the people, transform regional commitments into tangible results, and make borders spaces of prosperity, security, and opportunity for women traders.”

She reaffirmed that the ECOWAS Vision 2050 cannot be achieved without the full participation of women who, every day, contribute to market operations, food security, and closer ties among the peoples of the region.

Over the course of more than two weeks, the Fortnight brings together representatives from the twelve (12) ECOWAS Member States, Directorates and Specialized Agencies of the Commission, ministries responsible for Trade, Gender, Transport, Agriculture, Finance and Security, customs and border administrations, chambers of commerce, women cross-border traders’ organizations, financial institutions, private sector organizations, research institutes, and technical and financial partners. This diversity of stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to developing a coordinated approach to removing barriers to cross-border trade and promoting women’s economic empowerment throughout West Africa.

This activity-rich Fortnight will begin with a regional mini-caravan at the Hilacondji (Togo–Benin) and Aflao (Togo–Ghana) border posts to raise awareness among women traders and border officials about ECOWAS trade facilitation instruments. A regional trade fair showcasing products from agricultural, fisheries, and artisanal value chains developed by women across Member States is also planned.

In addition, a week-long capacity-building programme focusing on ECOWAS trade facilitation instruments, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), financial inclusion, trade digitalization, and the validation of the new ECOWAS Gender and Trade Strategy 2026–2030 and its Action Plan is included in the agenda of the Fortnight.

During these ten days of activities, dialogue and exchange sessions will be held between women traders, border administrations, financial institutions, chambers of commerce, and development partners. The programme will culminate in the launch of the ECOWAS Women Cross-Border Traders Network, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, experience sharing, and women’s representation in trade policy processes.

Through this initiative, the ECOWAS Commission reaffirms its commitment to promoting a more inclusive, safer, and more competitive cross-border trade environment while strengthening women’s economic leadership, in line with the ECOWAS Vision 2050: “An ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All.”