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Strengthen agriculture value chains, Chambas tells ECOWAS

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By Mufutau Ojo

Renowned diplomat, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, says the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) must recommit to strengthening regional agriculture value chains.

 

Chambas made the call at the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS summit of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja on Sunday.

 

He said strengthening agriculture value chains would help create the much-needed economic opportunity for farmers and economic operators.

 

Chambas, who is the Chairman of the Taskforce on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), said this would also reduce regional food security challenges.

 

He expressed optimism that the region would be able achieve a more resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.

 

Chambas further said the delays in addressing the challenges hindering the free movement of persons and goods were not unique to any particular region of Africa.

 

He described ECOWAS as a regional leader in terms of freedom of movement of its people.

 

Chambas said dysfunctions resulting from misapplication of ETLS protocols were partly due to weak institutional capacity of National Committees for the Recognition of Community Origin.

 

He identified the lack of knowledge of the protocols by economic actors as another challenge.

 

” Trade and development move along with people who trade, and West Africa is not an exception for what unites us is not just economic ties, but also social and cultural ones.

 

” As such, we need to continue to focus on improving the economic conditions of our people and to promote our regional integration in order to help increase our intra-Africa exchanges in all relevant areas.

 

” West Africa is a region where, for centuries, our people have moved about freely, engaging in commerce and building traditional bonds and historic relationships.

 

” This is a moment to work to build a borderless Africa, not the moment to step backward,” he said.

 

Chambas also said free movement of people, goods and services across the continent must be made a priority in order to boost development and shared prosperity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Foreign

ECOWAS must leverage private sector potentials for economic integration —Touray

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By Mark Longyen

President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Omar Touray has urged member states to leverage the vast potentials of West Africa’s private sector toward subregional economic integration and development.

Touray made the plea at the 93rd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that local private sector actors needed the support of both ECOWAS and individual member states because they have an important role in achieving the bloc’s economic integration efforts.

The commission’s president explained that the goal was to mobilise, develop and retain regional capital within the ECOWAS subregion for the overall good of all.

“The role of our private sector in providing the necessary resources for our Institutions, removing non-tariff barriers, implementing regionally agreed policies and commitments is vital to our success.

“Our local private sector actors also have an important role, and they need the support of both the regional institutions and governments to exploit the vast potentials in our community.

“We must give our local private sector actors the right of first refusal in any investment opportunity in our community.

“We should harness the resources of our businessmen and women to succeed,” he said.

Touray also said that, over the years, ECOWAS had been consistent in its determination to deepen regional integration process by deploying multifaceted strategies to achieve it, and pledged to continue doing so.

According to him, such efforts include regional energy development, regional air transport development, regional regulation on roaming on public mobile communications networks, among others within the ECOWAS space.

He said that ECOWAS had made progress in the merger of the West Africa Gas Pipeline Extension Project with the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project.

This, he said, follows the adoption of an Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas pipeline by the Ministers in charge of Energy and Hydrocarbons.

“This regional integrative project aims to build a gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Morocco, feeding ECOWAS member states and Mauritania with future extension to Europe.

“It is an infrastructure of 6,800 km long, including 5,100 km offshore, with a transport capacity of 30 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year.

“In addition, a framework document for the establishment of an ECOWAS Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Facility has been finalised by the ministers,” he said.

The ECOWAS President further disclosed that progress had been made in implementing the regulation on roaming of public mobile communications networks within the ECOWAS space.

“The ECOWAS Roaming is now live in at least six member states since its adoption in December 2017 by this Council,” he said.

Touray also said a regional strategy for harmonising air transport charges, fees and taxes and a supplementary act relating to a common policy on aviation charges, taxes and fees was underway.

He said that the commission had also revived its regional cooperation and integration programme in the water sector which dates to 2001.

Touray further said that the commission had inaugurated a regional self sufficiency in rice production, otherwise called the “Rice Offensive” project, in 2014.

“To attain regional self-sufficiency in rice, it would require the local production of 33 million tonnes of milled rice to meet a planned consumption target by 2035.

“This will also require a financial investment of 15 to 19 billion dollars of capital expenditures (CAPEX) towards improving storage facilities, milling initiatives and enhancing mechanisation in paddy production.

This council has a critical role in the realisation of the many objectives we set for our region. Let me conclude by pleading with the council to redouble its support to ECOWAS institutions,” Touray added.

Also speaking, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar,

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, said the meeting reaffirmed their dedication to regional cooperation, driven by a shared vision of an integrated and prosperous West Africa.

While noting that ECOWAS was currently at a pivotal point in its existence, Tuggar said the council recognised the significant responsibilities they were tasked with, and the collective efforts required to succeed.

“The region faces multifaceted challenges that can only be overcome through enhanced cooperation and a deeper common understanding among our Member States,” Tuggar said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Foreign

ECOWAS-MSME collaboration excites regional entrepreneurs 

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By Mark Longyen

West African entrepreneurs under the aegis of ECOWAS Small Business Coalition(ESBC) say their collaboration with ECOWAS is crucial to achieving individual, group and subregional economic integration goals.

 

The entrepreneurs spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of ESBC’s inaugural exhibition and workshop in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

 

According to them, collaboration will ensure positive interface between the ECOWAS body and entrepreneur towards meeting regional and global standards and practices in their businesses.

Mrs Amina Suleiman, CEO, MINALADI Enterprises, a Nigerian fashion designer and manufacturer, who was appointed an ESBC Ambassador, said that collaboration was their strength.

 

“That coming together, uniting, forming a coalition, is helping the SMEs to grow and I believe there’s going to be so many millionaires emerging from this event.

 

“I’ve learned a lot; from the lectures to meeting different African countries to understand that there’s actually unity when it comes to Africans coming together. We keep getting stronger when we are together.

 

“The programme is like an eye-opener for me. I’ve seen so many hardworking people. I’ve seen people that I’ve learned from and I’ll keep learning,” she said.

Mrs Sylviane Kone, from Ivory Coast, a former ECOWAS Director, Human Resources, now Managing Director, AGS Group, an Abidjan-based food processing consultancy firm, stressed the need for the entrepreneurs to collaborate.

 

She said that the essence of ESBC was to facilitate economic integration by harmonising the processing of MSMEs’ goods to produce standard products.

 

“We have to be one, we have to standardise our products if we want competitiveness.

 

“Africa with all the 15 member states of ECOWAS, like Mali are here, Niger, Burkina Faso are also here.

 

“We have to have a strong Africa. We can even export from our 15 member states. This is how we can achieve the goal of success in Africa,” she said.

 

Mahamadou Kinta, CEO, Kinta Enterprises and President, SMEs coalition in Mali, said the event was an opportunity to bring West African entrepreneurs together to agree on business models that would culminate in growing their economies.

 

Kinta noted that Mali was currently facing serious security challenges, which inhibits the free movement of goods and people, stressing that such was inimical to economic integration.

 

He urged ECOWAS and the African Union to resolve the issues because they could block the process of subregional integration.

 

“This event is about strengthening businesses in our region, so we have to come together. That’s why we appreciate this initiative coming from ECOWAS so much.

 

“We have this problem in our country, our goods and people cannot travel freely because they have so many troubles in the borders.

 

“I think this is like a tool to make all the small businesses of our countries come together to empower their businesses to grow faster and move the continent very fast,” he said.

 

Mrs Assetou Djibo, an entrepreneur from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, said collaboration among ESBC members was crucial to boosting their economic growth and achieving the objectives of ECOWAS economic integration.

 

“We are here to take action to fight against the forces inhibiting the growth of SMEs in West Africa.

 

“Collaboration among our members is critical to achieving the ECOWAS goal of economic integration,” she said.

For Dr Ebiekure Eradiri, President of the All Africa Association of MSMEs, said standardisation of MSME products by ensuring that they are “concurrent, uniform and acceptable” across the subregion, was key to the ESBCs success.

 

“While we appreciate the efforts and the inputs, standardisation is key.

 

“So, for businesses where SMEs are able to engage products across the West African region, we must be sure that our standards are concurrent, uniform and acceptable among ourselves.

 

“What you make of your goods for it to be acceptable in another country in West Africa is dependent on the rules and regulations of that country and we are saying that we must also think about a universal framework,” he said.

 

Ms Loido Monteiro from Cape Verde, CEO, Smart Cities Project, and ESBC Vice President, said the coalition aimed at collaborating to bring their products to new markets within ECOWAS and the world.

 

She said that through partnerships with other companies, they would grow their markets and companies, create jobs and produce ECOWAS’ future millionaires.

 

“We already have some products that we are ready to sell and we have countries that want to buy, so we are in a good state.

 

“While we have challenges of transport, and finance, we believe if we are together we can resolve these challenges and do business together, with ECOWAS’ support,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

ECOWAS Court pledges greater efficiency ahead 2025

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice (ECCJ) has pledged to enhance its performance and efficiency by 2025, even as it deals with notable financial and operational hurdles.

Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, the President of the court, said this at the opening of the 2024 Judicial Retreat in Abuja on Monday, with the theme ‘Judicial Case Management’.

He noted that financial constraints, stemming from some member states’ failure to meet their financial obligations, have placed the institution under strain.

These challenges, he said are compounded by the anticipated departure of three member states, which could result in significant budgetary cuts and operational setbacks.

“These difficulties require us to think creatively and allocate our resources with precision.

“For the first time, due to financial constraints, participation in certain activities has been limited to a smaller in-person group, while others will join remotely.

“This reflects the serious financial challenges the Community is facing. Until the situation improves, we must significantly scale back our activities”.

Gonçalves expressed confidence in the Court’s leadership and its ability to navigate the crisis.

He emphasised the need to remain committed to the institution’s founding principles while adapting to contemporary realities, such as adopting virtual meetings and minimising unnecessary expenditures.

He described the retreat as a crucial platform for reflection, collaboration, and innovation aimed at enhancing the Court’s practices and fostering regional integration.

The President called on judges, directors, and staff to actively engage in discussions and decision-making processes during the retreat.

He stressed that their contributions are vital to addressing the institution’s challenges and strengthening its operational framework.

Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the ECCJ Chief Registrar, also outlined the objectives of the retreat, organised by the Registry Department as part of the Court’s annual activities.

He stated that the event provides an opportunity to reflect on judicial practices and improve case management.

Referring to Article 32 of the Protocol on the Court, Ouro-Sama highlighted the Court’s authority to establish its own rules of procedure.

He underlined the importance of foundational texts, such as the Rules of Procedure and practical directives, in shaping the Court’s operations.

The Chief Registrar stressed the need for clear guidelines to address existing gaps, particularly in harmonising discrepancies between common law and civil law practices.

He also called for improved coordination between the judges’ chambers, the Registry, and the Research and Documentation Department.

The retreat’s theme, centered on judicial case management, includes sub-themes addressing execution rates, standardisation of rulings, translation of decisions, and collaboration between departments.

“Interactive discussions and expert presentations are expected to yield actionable solutions for these challenges, which will be proposed to the College of Judges”.

He described the event as an opportunity to refine processes and practices, ultimately leading to more effective operations within the ECCJ.

Ouro-Sama thanked the President, Vice President, and Judges for their support and approval of the retreat’s agenda.

According to the organisers, as the retreat progresses, it is anticipated to pave the way for a more resilient and efficient Court, ensuring its sustainability and continued contribution to regional integration and justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Foreign

ECOWAS entrepreneurs seek railway corridor

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Participants at the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) workshop/exhibition in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.(NAN)

 

 

By Mark Longyen

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the aegis of ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC), have proposed the creation of a railway corridor connecting all ECOWAS countries, in addition to the existing road network.

 

They made the call at the end of their inaugural exhibition and workshop which held from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

 

The event was organised by ESBC, in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and Ivory Coast’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The coalition noted the difficulties that the small business operators face in transporting their goods and services between and among member states and emphasised the need for improved communication about cross-border trade obligations.

 

It, however, notes the clarification by ECOWAS that the movement of goods and people within the subregion is free in line with existing protocols but is not exempt from formalities and customs duties.

 

The coalition also proposed solutions to the challenges of transporting the SME’s goods to include the need to end cross-border harassment and corruption due to unnecessary “taxes.”

Members also proposed the empowering of local SBCs to enable them issue certificates of origin to entrepreneurs, as well as the establishing of online training sessions for their capacity building.

 

The coalition also proposed the creation of a railway corridor connecting all ECOWAS countries, in addition to the existing road network.

 

According to the coalition, access to information is key to SMEs’s success, hence, the need to raise awareness, adding that they should leverage the recently unveiled African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ECOWAS policies.

 

It also emphasised the need for the harmonisation of fiscal rule across ECOWAS, as well as the need for SMEs to choose appropriate business models and consulting advisory firms.

 

The report notes that much remains to be done to improve competitiveness through innovation and sustainability to push SMEs beyond borders, while proposing training them on certification, efficient technology transfer and increasing research.

The coalition further noted that financing was at the core of SMEs’ challenges because while financing mechanisms are in place, SMEs’ absorption capacities are difficult, as many are ill-equipped to leverage these mechanisms.

 

They, therefore, proposed to focus on promoting innovation and new business models that would fit African realities, such as reimagining economic development models and learning from BRICS approaches.

 

The group also proposed the establishing of an ESBC television; a bank for SME financing; the designing of strategies to encourage the creation of a common currency; and lifting of customs and monetary barriers.

 

The coalition also proposed the creation of international shipping lines, establishing clear legislation or regulations applicable to all ECOWAS states, as well as facilitating access to ports for landlocked countries.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Foreign

ECOWAS tasks subregional  entrepreneurs on trade growth

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By Mark Longyen

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on West African entrepreneurs to strengthen subregional trade, saying it is collaborating with the private sector to boost subregional economic growth.

 

Dr Omar Touray, President of the Commission, made this known at the inaugural edition of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) Exhibition and Conference in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day fair brought together West African Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products, and explore collaborative opportunities for growth.

 

Touray, represented by Dr Tony Elumelu, ECOWAS Director, Private Sector, described the event as a crucial step in preparing the subregion to actively participate in the recently unveiled African Continental Free Trade Authority (AfCFTA).

 

He reminded the entrepreneurs of the importance of regional integration in driving economic growth and development and called on them to leverage the opportunities provided by AfCFTA to achieve success.

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity for our region to increase trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

 

“This fair is a crucial step in preparing our subregion to actively participate in the AfCFTA.

 

“The ECOWAS Commission has been working closely with critical stakeholders to facilitate the private sector.

 

“We have engaged with regional business associations, such as FEBWE, FEWACCI, MAN, and FOPAO, to support businesses and promote regional economic integration,” Touray said.

He said that ECOWAS had also developed an MSME Charter, which is a landmark document to promote the growth and development of MSMEs in West Africa.

 

According to him, the Charter focuses on a broad spectrum of intervention areas, including enterprise education, regional collaborations, regulatory enhancements, promotion of specialised development corridors, and crucial financial assistance for MSMEs.

 

He said that it also addresses issues relating to support for women in business, recognising the critical role that women play in driving economic growth and development in the region.

 

“To further support businesses, ECOWAS is developing a text on regional economic zones, with the support of the World Bank through its implementing agency, IFC.

 

“ECOWAS has also adopted a regulation on the ECOWAS Business Council with clear criteria for composition.

 

“I am confident that this fair will pave the way for increased cross-border trade, regional integration, and economic growth in our subregion,” Touray added.

Also speaking, Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, President, ESBC, said the event was organised to celebrate the “modest achievements” of MSMEs in the subregion and reaffirm their commitments to fostering a united, and thriving ECOWAS.

 

He disclosed that the group was about to create a comprehensive database of MSMEs across ECOWAS states that would serve as a foundation for understanding the needs, addressing the challenges, and fostering growth.

 

Yerima said the coalition was dedicated to overcoming barriers to cross-border trade, streamlining processes, providing access to finance and markets, and ensuring that MSMEs succeed in both regional and global markets.

 

“Today, we are reminded of the importance of regional integration in driving economic growth and development.

 

“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a unique opportunity for our region to increase trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

 

“This exhibition is more than just a gathering; it is a crucial step in preparing our subregion to actively participate in the AfCFTA,” he said.

 

The ESBC President noted that by fostering collaboration among SMEs, governments, and stakeholders, they would lay the groundwork for ECOWAS to become a leading contributor to Africa’s continental trade ambitions.

 

Dr Souleymane Diarrassoba, Ivory Coast’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, thanked ECOWAS for choosing the country to host the event, and pledged to collaborate towards the subregion’s integration and development.

 

Represented by Mr Silvere Konan, Director General, SMEs, he said SMEs were essential for national industrial development due to their immense potential value creation, lasting employment, and wealth development.

 

Diarrassoba noted that SMEs could play a much more important role in economic development, hence, the Ivorian government’s support for all initiatives of promoting, developing and strengthening them.

 

Mrs Fanta Cisse, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ivory Coast, in a remark, explained that the event was designed to encourage regional integration through different measures and rules that exist in the context of regional integration.

She said it was a remarkable success because all ECOWAS’ 15 member countries, including the so-called Sahel’s Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, attended.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Foreign

ECOWAS court gets new leadership as Asante bows out

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Justice Ricardo Gonçalves, new President, ECOWAS Court of Justice.

 

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ) has elected Cape Verde’s Justice Ricardo Gonçalves as its new President.

 

 

It also elected Sierra Leone’s Justice Sengu Koroma as new Vice President, both for non-renewable four-year tenure.

 

 

They were elected by the court’s college of five judges, and subsequently inaugurated by Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Embalo.

 

 

Embalo is the former Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

 

 

Gonçalves succeeds Justice Edward Asante, who had presided as the court’s president for six years, while Koroma succeeds Ivory Coast’s Gberi-bè Ouattara as Vice President.

 

 

Meanwhile, Justice Asante has been recommended for Ghana’s Supreme Court, although he still remains a judge of the CCJ until the end of his extended tenure in 2026.

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under Asante, the CCJ witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in its jurisprudence, case management system and physical infrastructure.

 

 

Asante made possible the relocation of the Court from its former overcrowded location to its new complex at Gudu District, Abuja in 2023.

 

 

The legal luminary also brought innovations in the CCJ’s processes through the introduction of the electronic case management system and the consequential amendment of the Court’s practice direction.

 

 

The innovations have enabled seamless virtual and physical court sessions, as well as easing access to the court by case applicants from ECOWAS member states.

 

 

This has reduced the financial burden on applicants because applications can now be filed, cases heard and judgments delivered virtually.

 

 

He also filled most of the vacancies in the Court’s organogram with the recruitment of experienced lawyers into the Registry and Research Departments.

 

 

Asante described his tenure as a “worthwhile experience and a privilege to serve the community”, which enabled him to gain valuable insights into the ECOWAS integration process.

 

 

The eminent jurist added that his six-year tenure enabled him to “understand the value of the respect for extant instruments of the community, including its commitment to respect for human rights, accountability and transparency.”

 

 

Speaking, Gonçalves said his vision for the court was focused on two fundamental pillars of responsibility and dialogue.

 

 

He stressed the need to uphold the institution’s mission as an independent, reliable, efficient, and accessible court.

 

 

Gonçalves expressed his commitment to foster continuous dialogue with other ECOWAS institutions, agencies, member states, civil societies and ensure prudent management of ECOWAS funds.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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