By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, March 26, GNA – Private sector leaders have pledged to deepen regional trade, investment and youth empowerment to advance West Africa’s economic integration and growth.
The commitment was contained in a declaration adopted in Accra during a regional trade summit organised under the auspices of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI).
The summit brought together presidents and representatives of chambers of commerce and industry, policymakers, development partners, financial institutions and youth entrepreneurs.
Participants reaffirmed the importance of regional integration frameworks, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Revised Treaty and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
They recognised the critical role of the private sector in translating policy commitments into tangible economic outcomes across the region.
Stakeholders noted that West Africa possessed significant untapped potential driven by trade, investment, logistics and its youthful population, but expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high trade costs, weak logistics systems, fragmented standards and limited market access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
On regional trade facilitation, participants committed to strengthening coordination among national chambers to harmonise standards, customs procedures and regulatory frameworks, and to support the digitalisation of trade processes, including electronic certification systems, single windows and digital customs platforms.
The declaration called on ECOWAS member states to remove non‑tariff barriers, reduce border delays and ensure effective implementation of trade facilitation policies.
On investment and productive capacity, stakeholders pledged to promote regional value chains in sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing and logistics, and urged governments and partners to increase financing for trade‑enabling infrastructure and create predictable, investor‑friendly regulatory environments.
On SME competitiveness, the declaration highlighted the importance of capacity building, market intelligence and access to finance, as well as the adoption of digital trade platforms and fintech solutions. Stakeholders also committed to promoting youth and women empowerment through entrepreneurship, innovation and skills development programmes.
On governance, participants stressed the need to strengthen public‑private dialogue mechanisms and support the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Business Council, reaffirming the role of FEWACCI as a strategic partner in policy formulation and implementation.
Participants agreed to develop clear action plans and monitoring systems to ensure effective implementation of the commitments and reaffirmed their collective commitment to transforming West Africa into a competitive, integrated and prosperous region driven by a dynamic private sector and empowered youth.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey