ECOWAS Trade & Investment Forum & Exhibition

I INTRODUCTION

1. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to host the ECOWAS – International Trade & Investment Forum and Exhibition, themed: “From Vision to Prosperity – 50 Years of Deepening Trade, Driving Investment, Delivering Growth”.

2. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union established on May 28, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos. Comprising 15 member states, ECOWAS aims “promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa, in order to raise the living standards of its peoples, and to maintain and enhance economic stability, foster relations among Member States and contribute to the progress and development of the African Continent.”.

3. ECOWAS has made remarkable progress in fostering regional integration and enhancing trade among its Member States over the past 50 years towards achieving the founding vision of the organisation. These achievements include the progress towards the creation of a single market through the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), which seeks to operationalize ECOWAS as a Free Trade Area with the eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers on goods produced within the region, facilitating increased trade and investment. The establishment of a Common External Tariff has also helped to harmonize trade policies and create a more predictable trading environment.

4. Other notable achievements include the promotion of trade and investment through the West African Common Industrialization Policy (WACIP) and ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM), ECOWAS Trade Investment Promotion Strategy (ECOTIPS), Regional E-Commerce Strategy, as well as movement of people within the region.

5. ECOWAS has facilitated cross-border investments through the promotion of regional projects in agriculture, manufacturing, and services, boosting economic growth and development through instruments such as the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP).

6. ECOWAS has also prioritized the development of regional infrastructure to support trade and connectivity. The planned construction of major transport corridors, such as the Lagos-Abidjan seeks to further improve the movement of goods and people across the region. These infrastructure projects have reduced transportation costs, increased trade volumes, and enhanced regional integration. Furthermore, the establishment of the West Africa Power Pool and other energy initiatives has improved energy access and reliability, supporting industrial growth and trade activities.

7. The West African creative economy continues to experience significant development, fuelled by increased global demand, technological advancements, and a growing middle class. Industries like music, film, fashion show/exhibition, and digital content are seeing rapid growth and attracting international attention. This development is creating new jobs, boosting exports, and contributing to overall economic growth. Furthermore, the ECOWAS Tourism Policy seeks to leverage the region’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing tourism industry to contribute to economic development.

8. Recent events have created greater market opportunities. Africa’s economic landscape is rapidly evolving, positioning the continent as a significant player in global trade and investment. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), effective from January 2021, is one of the largest free trade areas globally by the number of participating countries. It aims to eliminate tariffs on 97% of goods, facilitate trade among African nations, and create a unified market of over 1.4 billion people. The potential for intra-African trade to boost economic growth and resilience is immense, yet challenges remain that need to be addressed collaboratively.
9. As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, the ECOWAS Trade Investment Forum & Exhibition (ECOTIFE) in partnership with the Lagos International trade Fair and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) presents a timely platform to celebrate past achievements and chart a course for the future. A Cocktail, with musical entertainment and a fashion show/exhibition, will complement the event.

II OBJECTIVES

1. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders from across the region and beyond to discuss strategies for enhancing trade and investment opportunities. Through collaborative dialogues, exhibitions, and networking sessions, the event will showcase the economic potential of ECOWAS member states and foster a conducive environment for sustainable development.

2. The specific objectives of the event are to:
   • Promote Regional Trade and Investment: Highlight the trade and investment potential within ECOWAS member states to encourage intra-regional economic activities.
   • Enhance Trade Facilitation: Discuss and develop strategies to streamline trade procedures and reduce barriers, promoting smoother cross-border trade.
   • Examine innovative financing mechanisms to support regional development and integration
   • Showcase Public-Private Partnerships: Provide a platform for networking and collaboration among government officials, business leaders, investors, trade experts, and other stakeholders.
   • Showcase West Africa’s rich culture and heritage.

III KEY THEMES

3. The event will focus on the following key themes:
4. Regional Integration and Trade Facilitation

• Enhancing regional integration through harmonized trade policies and procedures.
• Digital Trade and E-Commerce.
• Exploring the role of trade facilitation in boosting intra-regional trade.

1. Investment Opportunities and Sustainable Financing

• Identifying lucrative investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.
• Promotion of Industrialization in West Africa and the financing of the ECOWAS Integration Process for sustainable Future
• Encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) and private sector participation in the region.
• Future of Sustainable Financing of the ECOWAS Integration Process.

1. Inclusive Partnerships

• Women and Youths in Trade.
• Strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance trade and investment.
• Exploring successful models of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the region.
• Probing in Creative Economy for Arts, Fashion, Tourism and Entertainment.

1. Creative Economy

• Arts, Fashion
• Tourism and entertainment

 IV VENUE

1. The ECOTIFE will take place in Lagos, NIGERIA from the 7-16 November 2025 in partnership with the Lagos International trade Fair and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Key events will be broadcast live on social media platforms.

 V EVENT STRUCTURE

1. The event will feature a comprehensive program that includes:

Day 1:

• Opening Ceremony: Keynote addresses/Goodwill Messages by high-level officials and dignitaries
• Session 1: Regional Integration and Trade Facilitation
• Session 2: Accelerating Industrialisation in West Africa; Future of Sustainable Financing of the ECOWAS Integration Process
• Exhibition: Showcase of products, services, and innovations from ECOWAS Member States.
• Networking Events and B2B Meetings: Facilitating collaboration and partnerships among participants.

Day 2:

• Session 3: Promoting inclusive Trade: The role of MSMEs and Women in Trade
• Session 4: Public-Private Partnership: Strategies for strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors
• Session 5: Creative Economy (Arts, Fashion show/ exhibition, Tourism and Entertainment)
• Exhibition: Showcase of products, services, and innovations from ECOWAS Member States.
• Closing Ceremony: Summary of Forum outcomes and closing remarks.
• Networking Events and B2B Meetings: Facilitating collaboration and partnerships among participants.
• Cocktail, Fashion show/Exhibition

Day 3 – 9:

• Exhibition: Showcase of products, services, and innovations from ECOWAS Member States.

 6 EXPECTED OUTCOMES

1. The Forum aims to achieve the following outcomes:
   1. Strengthened Partnerships: Establishment of new partnerships and collaborations between stakeholders.
   2. Policy Recommendations: Identification of policy recommendations to improve trade and investment.
   3. Knowledge Sharing: Increased knowledge and awareness of trade and investment opportunities and challenges.

7 TARGET AUDIENCE

1. The Forum will attract a diverse audience, including:

1. Government Officials: Ministers, policymakers, and representatives from ECOWAS Member States.
2. Business Leaders: CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business executives from various industries.
3. Investors: Local and international investors seeking opportunities in the West African region.
4. Trade, Industry and Investment Experts: Academics, researchers, and trade specialists.
5. Trade and Logistics Professionals: Supply Chain Managers; Logistics Companies; Customs Brokers
6. Financial Institutions: Development and Commercial Banks and Financial Services Providers; Investment Firms; Microfinance Institutions
7. Development Partners: Representatives from international organizations and development agencies.

8 CONTACT

1. For further information, kindly contact Kolawole A. SOFOLA (E: ksofola@ecowas.int), Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission with a copy to Ms Martha MADUKA (E: mmaduka@ecowas.int) Administrative Assistant.