During the ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorates of Trade, Customs Union & Taxation, and Free Movement of Persons & Migration, along with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, officially launched an awareness raising campaign on Small Scale Cross Border Trade (SSCBT) for traders, particularly women in the city of Tema – Ghana, 9 October 2023. Afolalabi Osho, Jambo Africa Online’s Editor: West African Editor, reports…
In a landmark event held on October 9th, 2023, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially launched a sensitization campaign focused on Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade (SSCBT) in Tema, Ghana. This campaign, a collaborative effort between the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorates of Trade, Customs Union & Taxation, and Free Movement of Persons & Migration, alongside the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, is a vital step towards fostering greater understanding and collaboration among policy makers, women traders, and institutions involved in trade across the region.
The campaign, aimed primarily at women traders, has already begun to bear fruit, offering a multitude of benefits to its participants. Here, we delve into the tangible advantages these traders can expect as a result of their involvement in this initiative:
1. Empowerment Through Awareness:
• The launch of the campaign exposed cross-border traders, especially women, to existing trade protocols and regulations. This newfound awareness empowers them with the knowledge needed to navigate complex cross-border trade environments more effectively.
2. Creating a Supportive Ecosystem:
• By focusing on the specific needs and challenges of women in cross-border trade, the campaign creates a supportive ecosystem that recognizes their vital contributions to regional economies. It also seeks to improve the trading environment for all involved.
3. Enhanced Regional Economic Contributions:
• Mrs. Stella Akosua Ansah, Director of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), commended the ECOWAS Commission for this initiative, recognizing its potential to create a more efficient trading environment. This, in turn, will enhance the contributions of small-scale cross-border traders to the regional economy.
4. Facilitating Free Trade:
• Ambassador Babagana Wakil, the ECOWAS Representative to Ghana, reiterated ECOWAS’ unwavering commitment to facilitating free trade across borders. He stressed the importance of implementing policies that support free movement of goods and people, reducing trade barriers and delays.
5. ECOWAS Commitment to the 4×4 Strategic Objectives:
• Mr. Kolawole Sofola, ECOWAS Commission’s Acting Director of Trade, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to addressing challenges faced by regional traders. The 4×4 Strategic Objectives for 2022-2026 underscore their commitment to eliminating barriers to trade, ultimately making trade work for all.
6. Empowering Women for Sustainable Development:
• Hon. Francisca Oteng Mensah, the Ghanaian Deputy Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, highlighted the essential role played by small-scale cross-border traders in regional integration. Informed traders are better positioned to facilitate cross-border transactions, contributing to economic cooperation and collaboration.
The campaign encompasses various activities, including a roadshow along the Tema-Ouagadougou Corridor Highway, engaging with traders operating in cities like Tema, Accra, Kumasi, Techiman, and Paga. These town hall meetings create a platform for traders, particularly women, to share their experiences and challenges.
The participants in this campaign represent a diverse group, including small-scale cross-border traders, Women Traders Associations, representatives from Member States, and key government ministries, such as Trade and Industry, Gender, Children & Social Protection.
As the campaign continues its journey, it is clear that participants will benefit from enhanced knowledge, support, and opportunities that will ultimately empower them in their crucial roles as drivers of regional trade. The ECOWAS sensitization campaign is a significant step forward in fostering gender equality, empowering women, and ensuring sustainable national development in the West African region.