The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the Government of Liberia and partners, are hosting a three-day AfCFTA Regulatory Audit Report Workshop on Trade in Services from 11–13 May 2026 in Monrovia. 

The workshop aims to strengthen Liberia’s capacity to analyze and utilize the AfCFTA Trade in Services Regulatory Audit Report to inform national policy reforms and support ongoing negotiations under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). 

The initiative is implemented under the ECOWAS, AfDB and UNDP Institutional Support Project, which provides technical assistance to support regulatory harmonization and deepen regional integration.

Supporting Policy Reform and Trade Competitiveness

Welcoming participants at the workshop, the Deputy Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Wilmot A. Reeves said, “For Liberia, the AfCFTA is not merely a trade agreement.

It is a strategic instrument for economic diversification, private sector development, value addition, innovation, and inclusive growth”. He continued to note that it aligns strongly with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly Pillar One on Economic Transformation.

Mr. Reeves further stated that the AfCFTA represents one of the most transformative economic initiatives undertaken on the African continent since the establishment of the African Union.

“It presents a historic opportunity to deepen intra-African trade, promote industrialization, facilitate investment flows, create jobs, and strengthen Africa’s position within the global economy” he added.

The workshop comes at a critical time as Liberia advances its commitments under the AfCFTA Trade in Services framework, covering sectors such as professional services, ICT, communications, transport, construction, and financial services. 

The ECOWAS Resident Representative, Dr. Nathaniel B. Walker also stated that the workshop forms part of the ECOWAS’s continued efforts to support Member States in the validation, appropriation, and effective use of the regulatory audit tools.

“It also provides an important platform for dialogue among key stakeholders across a wide range of service subsectors, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and consensus-building”.

Participants are reviewing the Regulatory Audit Report, which assesses national policies, identifies barriers to trade in services, and supports evidence-based reforms to enhance transparency, market access, and competitiveness. 

Participants also engaged with consultant Ms. Beatrice Chaytor, who presented on “Patterns of African Trade Policies and Costs.” 

The session sparked rich discussions on strategies to enhance intra-African trade, including the revision of policies and regulations in areas such as digital trade, intellectual property, and other key enablers of trade.

Through plenary sessions and sector-specific discussions, participants are examining policy gaps, assessing regulatory constraints, and developing recommendations to align Liberia’s domestic frameworks with AfCFTA obligations.

The workshop brought together approximately 50 participants from government institutions, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and development partners. 

Addressing participants, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of UNDP Liberia emphasized that this workshop represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen national capacity to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, engage effectively at both the domestic and continental levels, catalyze reforms, foster innovation, and promote disciplined leadership essential for sustainable progress.

He said, “You, as participants, have the potential to serve as catalysts for change by mastering the intricacies of trade policies, understanding the dynamics of service liberalization, and honing the skills that make you indispensable for shaping Liberia’s economic future”. 

Driving Economic Growth Through Services

Trade in services is a key driver of economic growth in Africa, accounting for more than half of the continent’s GDP and playing a critical role in job creation, investment attraction, and regional integration. 

By strengthening its regulatory environment, Liberia aims to unlock opportunities in key sectors including finance, ICT, transport, tourism, and professional services, while enhancing its competitiveness, attracting investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The AfCFTA Regulatory Audit Reports, developed with support from international partners, provide countries with practical tools to assess policy restrictiveness, promote transparency, and guide evidence-based reforms in the services sector. 

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