ECOWAS has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) as key drivers of economic growth and regional development. Speaking at the ECOWAS Small-Scale Business Coalition (ESBC) meeting in Praia, Cape Verde, Commissioner Massandjé Toure-Litse highlighted the coalition’s role in fostering business growth, job creation, and economic integration.
The event, themed “Empowering Women for Sustainable Trade, Investment Opportunities, and Economic Growth,”coincided with International Women’s Day 2025, emphasizing the critical role of women entrepreneurs in shaping West Africa’s economic future.
Toure-Litse called for stronger collaboration among member states, urging them to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost industrialization, expand trade frameworks, and attract investment.
ESBC President Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima underscored the importance of supporting women-led businesses through improved access to finance, digital tools, and cross-border trade opportunities. He described the event as a celebration of the resilience and leadership of West African women, who continue to drive economic transformation.
Cape Verde’s First Lady, Mrs. Debora Carvalho, expressed appreciation for ECOWAS hosting the event in her country and pledged support for ESBC’s mission.
Minister of Entrepreneurship Domingo Monteiro reaffirmed Cape Verde’s commitment to working with ECOWAS to enhance regional economic integration.
With AfCFTA serving as a springboard, ECOWAS leaders stressed the need for bold, actionable strategies to advance the region’s competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable development. The coalition aims to break barriers, amplify women’s voices in policymaking, and create an ecosystem where MSMEs, especially women entrepreneurs, can thrive and contribute to shared prosperity.
