Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 6 August 2025 – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a new initiative to help six vulnerable West African countries harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Institutional Support Project for the Effective Implementation of the AfCFTA will support The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo in strengthening institutions, developing inclusive policies, and enhancing private sector engagement.

The virtual launch also marked the inaugural session of the Project Steering Committee, which will guide the initiative’s strategic direction. Thirty-nine participants joined the event, including representatives from beneficiary countries, implementing partners, and senior officials from ECOWAS, AfDB, and UNDP.

Despite progress in regional integration, Africa still faces challenges such as fragmented markets, low competitiveness and limited intra-African trade. These issues, compounded by global shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have further exposed structural vulnerabilities. The AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity to change this trajectory; however, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and fragile economies often lack the institutional capacity to fully leverage its benefits.

This project aims to close that gap. By strengthening national and regional institutions, supporting inclusive policy frameworks, and enhancing private sector engagement, the initiative will help ensure that vulnerable countries can actively participate in and benefit from the AfCFTA.

“Greater regional integration is key to positioning Africa as a driver of global progress, not through charity, but through strategic investment, value chains, innovation, and sustainable growth,” said Mr. Isiyaka Sabo, UNDP RSCA Lead for Inclusive Growth and Extractives, speaking on behalf of Dr. Matthias Naab, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa.

Mr. Sabo also emphasized the importance of building strong institutions and inclusive strategies to ensure no one is left behind, while highlighting linkages between this initiative and other UNDP programmes across the region. 

Speaking on behalf of the AfDB, Dr. Joseph Ribeiro, Deputy Director General, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to regional integration and emphasized the need to strengthen the capacity of national institutions to work with both businesses and policymakers.

“We’re focused on two things,” said Dr. Ribeiro. “Inclusive national and regional strategies aligned with continental goals and empowered trade and investment support institutions that can engage the private sector and deliver results. We must now move quickly and stay committed.”

In her keynote address, H.E. Mrs. Massandje Touré Litsé, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reaffirmed ECOWAS’s leadership in advancing economic integration across West Africa. 

“The AfCFTA represents our collective aspiration towards sustainable development,” she said. We are committed to supporting our Member States, especially the most vulnerable, in aligning national frameworks and attracting investment that leads to resilient growth.”

During the launch, participants were briefed on the project's broader objectives. These include strengthening national capacities to design and implement inclusive AfCFTA strategies and building institutional support systems for trade, business, and investment organizations, particularly those working with micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The ECOWAS Commission also presented its Regional Strategy for Implementing the AfCFTA, outlining five strategic objectives: improving the regional integration framework, harmonizing national AfCFTA implementation strategies, strengthening productive and trade capacities, facilitating market access, and promoting women's and youth economic empowerment. The commission also introduced its AfCFTA Communication Strategy, designed to raise awareness and improve public understanding of the agreement’s benefits and opportunities across Member States.

Representatives from the six beneficiary countries shared progress updates and next steps:

• The Gambia reported progress based on its validated 2018–2019 national strategy, though updates are needed to incorporate new protocols, while institutional structures and awareness campaigns are already in place.
• Togo highlighted its early ratification in 2019 and wide-ranging sensitization efforts, with its strategy now under review to reflect newer provisions and supported by strong political will.
• Liberia announced the forthcoming launch of its National Implementation Strategy on August 14, 2025, pending final ministerial approval.
• Sierra Leone emphasized its completed readiness assessment on trade in goods, the establishment of a legal framework for its national committee, and strong engagement with partners to ensure inclusive implementation.
• Guinea-Bissau, still at an early stage, welcomed the project as an opportunity to build foundational capacity and design its first national strategy in close collaboration with ECOWAS and UNDP.
• Guinea underscored its focus on trade in services and SMEs, having already developed a strategy with UNDP support, while stressing the need for continued technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacity.

At the end of the project, at least four of the six beneficiary countries are expected to implement one priority AfCFTA-related action, and five countries will have developed or strengthened national strategies aligned with AfCFTA. Additionally, 30 percent of trade and investment institutions are expected to demonstrate improved readiness to engage businesses on AfCFTA opportunities.

These outcomes will create stronger institutional foundations for effective AfCFTA implementation and ensure that vulnerable states are not left behind in Africa’s continental integration journey.

For more information and media inquiries, please contact: 

• Dr. Olivier Manlan, Economist and Project Lead, African Development Bank | o.manlan@afdb.org
• Kolawale Sofola, Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission | ksofola@ecowas.int
• Komi Tsowou, Regional AfCFTA Advisor and Project Manager, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | komi.tsowou@undp.org
• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org

Note to Editors

About the Institutional Support Project for the Effective Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

The project is financed through AfDB’s Transition Support Facility, with UNDP leading implementation at both regional and country levels under the strategic guidance of the Steering Committee, chaired by the ECOWAS Commission.

With a total budget of USD 2.8 million, the initiative represents a significant investment in institutional strengthening and private sector development across West Africa’s vulnerable states. By creating stronger institutions, inclusive policies, and deeper private sector engagement, the project is expected to lay the foundation for more resilient economies, increased intra-African trade, and shared prosperity under the AfCFTA.

About the Economic Community of West African States  

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is an intergovernmental institution and trading union with an overall aim to promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa in order to raise the living standards of its peoples, and to maintain and enhance economic stability, foster relations among Member States and contribute to the progress and development of the African continent. Currently, with 12 Member States, the community has a combined GDP of $734.8 billion, representing approximately a quarter of the continent’s economy.

Learn more at: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

About the African Development Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty across the continent. With 54 African member countries and 27 non-regional members, the Bank provides financial and technical support for transformative projects in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, health, education, and private sector development, while advancing regional integration and inclusive growth.

Learn more at: African Development Bank Group | Making a Difference

About the United Nations Development Programme 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end poverty, inequality, and climate change. With a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations build integrated and sustainable solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at: www.undp.org/africa