ECOWAS targets women, youth and persons with disabilities in digital trade expansion

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has convened a regional e-commerce forum in Abuja, Nigeria, to strengthen cross-border digital trade and improve access to markets across West Africa.

The two-day ECOWAS E-Commerce Community Forum, which began on October 27, is focused on advancing the implementation of the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027).

The initiative seeks to expand digital trade opportunities, particularly for women, young people, persons with disabilities and small-scale cross-border traders.

Supported by the World Bank through the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Programme (WARDIP), the forum has brought together regional and national stakeholders to discuss ways of making digital commerce more accessible and competitive.

Participants include representatives of women's groups, persons with disabilities, small-scale cross-border traders and government institutions.

Discussions at the forum have highlighted the need for improved digital skills, affordable internet connectivity, secure payment systems, better market access and reliable regional trade data.

Among the officials who addressed the gathering were Alessandro Vitale of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Chike Maikami of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission.

The ECOWAS initiative builds on previous efforts that have provided training to more than 800 small-scale cross-border traders, most of whom are women.

The discussions are expected to inform an Action Plan aimed at addressing barriers confronting underserved groups and strengthening regional cooperation in digital commerce.

The forum will be followed by the Second Meeting of the Regional E-Commerce Committee from October 29 to 30, 2026, with capacity-building activities also planned to strengthen stakeholders' advocacy for inclusive digital trade.