ECOWAS Concludes SME Workshop on AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol

The Economic Community of West African States Commission has concluded a two-day virtual regional sensitization workshop aimed at strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) capacity to engage with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol.

Organized in collaboration with GIZ, the training targeted SMEs across the ECOWAS region, focusing on improving understanding of both the ECOWAS E-commerce Strategy and the AfCFTA Digital Trade framework.

Representing ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Director of Trade Kolawole Sofola said the workshop was designed to equip SMEs with practical knowledge to leverage emerging digital trade opportunities under AfCFTA.

He noted that the Digital Trade Protocol seeks to promote interoperability, trust, transparency, and fairness in cross-border digital transactions –  objectives that align closely with the ECOWAS regional e-commerce strategy.

Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to position West African businesses to compete effectively in the continent’s evolving digital marketplace.