The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has inaugurated its Regional E-Commerce Committee in Lagos, Nigeria, establishing a governance body to spearhead the bloc’s digital trade transformation.
The committee, central to implementing the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027), will coordinate policy alignment, accelerate digital trade, and ensure inclusive participation of women, youth, and small businesses across member states.
Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, ECOWAS Acting Director of Private Sector, declared the committee pivotal for building a private sector-led digital economy. He emphasized e-commerce’s role in unlocking African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities and urged sustained reform momentum. Madam Sally Koroma, Chair of the inaugural meeting, called for harmonized regulations, improved digital infrastructure, and targeted financing to maximize cross-border trade potential.
UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno endorsed the initiative, reaffirming support for inclusive ecosystem development, particularly for women entrepreneurs. ECOWAS Director of Trade Kolawole Sofola, representing Commissioner Massandjé Toure-Litse, stated the committee marks a significant integration milestone, serving as a platform for regional policy coherence.
The committee’s first meeting gathered trade ministries and internal working groups, featuring training on the e-Trade Reform Tracker a digital tool to monitor strategy implementation. Supported by UNCTAD and the World Bank-funded WARDIP program, the session concluded with adopted terms of reference and reinforced calls for coordinated action.
