Experts Meet In Abidjan To Improve West African Markets

ECOWAS experts, institutions, and national sector actors are meeting for two days in Abidjan to discuss improving the sub-regional common market. The meeting aims to better connect agricultural products from major markets like Kano, Nigeria, or Kumasi and Ghana to the wider region. Producers currently face administrative hurdles at borders and high transportation costs when attempting to sell goods in other West African markets. Experts from the ECOWAS Commission are discussing the development of maritime corridors to support the region's coastal economies. Twelve member states rely on coastal economies, making the maritime sector a key focus for the organization. The discussion aims to address these economic gaps and improve maritime infrastructure. High transport costs remain a challenge for producers. The meeting is exploring solutions such as increasing investment in rail transport.