Babucarr O. Joof Gambia’s Trade Minister, and the Participants
By Fatou Sillah
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the International Trade Centre (ITC), with support from the European Union, have commenced a week-long training on trade competitiveness and regional value chain analysis.
This training, held on Monday at a local hotel in Kololi, is part of the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP) and focuses on utilizing the West African Competitiveness Observatory. Eight West African countries are represented at the event.
The training is designed to equip selected participants with the skills necessary to effectively leverage the West African Competitiveness Observatory. Participants will learn to access and utilize data-driven insights to prepare presentations and draft policy briefs on trade competitiveness and regional value chains.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Babucarr O. Joof, The Gambia’s Minister of Trade, Regional Integration, and Employment, emphasized the importance of trade competitiveness, describing it as a crucial policy for The Gambia and the broader West African region.”In The Gambia and across West Africa, trade competitiveness is more than just a policy goal—it is a necessity. Our economies, while rich in resources and potential, face numerous challenges that must be addressed if we are to compete effectively in global markets. These challenges include infrastructure deficits, limited access to finance, inadequate market information, and the need for stronger institutions that can support trade and investment,
“One of the most pressing issues we face is the integration of our economies into regional and global value chains. The potential of regional value chains to drive economic growth and create jobs is immense, yet the realization of this potential has, for the longest, been hindered by non-tariff Barriers, limited trade logistics, including transportation and storage facilities, a lack of harmonized standards, and poor quality infrastructure. These barriers not only reduce our competitiveness but also limit the ability of our businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access new markets and expand their operations,” He Said.
The EU Head of Cooperation emphasized the European Union’s long-standing partnership with West Africa, which is built on a shared commitment to economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.
“The European Union’s partnership with West Africans is rooted in a shared vision of economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development. We recognize that trade is a powerful engine for development, capable of driving poverty reduction, creating jobs, and fostering economic resilience. However, achieving these goals is not without its challenges, particularly in a region as diverse and dynamic as West Africa,” She Said.
The ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia noted that Pillar 3 of ECOWAS Vision 2050 aims to deepen regional economic integration by improving interconnectivity and enhancing competitiveness within West Africa.
“Pillar 3 of the ECOWAS Vision 2050 aims to deepen the process of economic integration through “improving interconnectivity and regional competitiveness.” This vision states a clear objective to strengthen the competitiveness of West Africa by enhancing the production, transformation, and export capacities of the private sector. This objective is firmly supported by regional SME strategies and initiatives. This includes, notably, the West Africa Common Industrial Policy (WACIP) and the Private Sector Development Strategy, which seek to develop productive and trade capacities as well as regional value chains,” she said
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