ECOWAS MOVES TO FACILITATE TRADE BETWEEN CôTE D’IVOIRE, GHANA

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is intensifying efforts to facilitate trade between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana as part of broader regional initiatives to strengthen economic integration and improve the movement of goods and services across West Africa.

The initiative is expected to address barriers affecting cross-border commerce, including delays at border posts, administrative bottlenecks, inconsistent trade procedures and other challenges that increase the cost of doing business between the two neighbouring countries.

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are major economic players in West Africa, with significant roles in the production and export of agricultural commodities, particularly cocoa. Both countries also have expanding industrial and commercial sectors that could benefit from more efficient regional trade arrangements.

ECOWAS has consistently promoted policies aimed at reducing trade restrictions, improving transport connectivity and encouraging businesses to take advantage of opportunities within the regional market.

At a bilateral meeting held in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, from October 21 to 23, 2026, ECOWAS officials and representatives of both countries reviewed practical arrangements for implementing the Mutual Recognition Agreement on inspection certificates.

The agreement, approved by ECOWAS ministers responsible for trade and industry in May 2025, is designed to prevent unnecessary repeated inspections of goods that have already been assessed in the exporting country. During the meeting, the two countries selected an initial list of priority products for a pilot phase and approved an implementation action plan.

Participants also agreed to use harmonised ECOWAS inspection procedures, including regional sanitary and phytosanitary standards, to guide the initiative. Recommendations included appointing competent national authorities, establishing a technical management committee, strengthening inspection agencies and reactivating the cross-border management committee.

The initiative is expected to reduce compliance costs and border delays while maintaining product quality and safety requirements. Small and medium-sized enterprises could particularly benefit from simpler procedures, lower operating expenses and more predictable access to neighbouring markets.

ECOWAS said the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana pilot could serve as a foundation for extending mutual recognition arrangements along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor and eventually to other member states.

The regional body reaffirmed its commitment to supporting both countries and working with TradeMark Africa and other partners to implement the agreement effectively.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to build a more integrated West African market, strengthen regional value chains and make cross-border trade more efficient for businesses and consumers.