ABUJA, 17 June 2025 –The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the European Union (EU), UNIDO, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), officially launched the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) – ECOWAS programme, a EUR50 million EU-funded regional initiative designed to enhance trade competitiveness, market access, strengthen regional quality infrastructure and diversification, and boost intra-African and Africa–EU trade.
“We are particularly proud with the effective launch of ATCMA as the region expects this broad initiative to increase sustainable intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the EU”, said Lassane Kabore, ECOWAS Director of Industry. “More specifically, ECOWAS hopes to increase the production of businesses, improve the quality of products and services, improve market access for certain value chains, enhance the export competitiveness of SMEs and protect consumers and the environment. We would like to thank our strategic partners, the European Union for its funding, UNIDO and ITC for their technical assistance, and wish ATCMA every success”.
The ATCMA–ECOWAS Programme was launched alongside three other regional programmes co-financed by the EU, Germany, and Spain, during a hybrid event, which was part of the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations, that brought together more than 120 senior officials and development partners as well as enabled wider stakeholder engagement across the region.
Distinguished participants included senior ECOWAS officials, Ambassadors and representatives of EU Member States, the African Union Commission, Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires from ECOWAS Member States, senior officials from UN agencies, and other international development stakeholders. The event also featured broad virtual participation, enabling wider stakeholder engagement across the region.
“Strengthening private sector and relevant institutions in specific industrial value chains will allow for more investment to be generated in, and attracted to West Africa, in line with the EU Global Gateway strategy and our shared vision for a future where sustainable economic growth, decent jobs, and resilient trade uplift communities and citizens”, said Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS. “We are particularly focused on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, opening doors for youth, and creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to fully harness the incredible potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Alongside with our partners (UNIDO/ITC), we are dedicated to building a more prosperous, interconnected, and sustainable future for West Africa, especially the citizens and businesses”.
Jointly implemented by UNIDO and ITC, the ATCMA–ECOWAS programme will increase the competitiveness of West African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in high-potential value chains by improving market access, aligning products with international standards, and enhancing the region’s quality infrastructure. By doing so, the programme will contribute to the broader goals of sustainable industrial development, economic diversification, and job creation in the ECOWAS region.
“Strengthening intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as deepening Africa–EU trade relations, is more important than ever”, said UNIDO Director General Gerd Müller in his official statement prior to the launch event. “It is key to creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and developing fair, green, and sustainable regional and international supply chains. UNIDO remains committed to building green and inclusive economies, fostering shared standards and competitiveness, and supporting long-term private sector investment. These are the pillars of sustainable growth, and we are proud to advance them through our collaboration with ECOWAS and the European Union”.
The ATCMA–ECOWAS programme will place a strong emphasis on supporting women- and youth-led businesses, fostering economic inclusion, and promoting sustainable business practices across the region. It will also facilitate the development of fair and resilient regional and international supply chains, contributing to Africa's deeper integration into global trade.
“These latest investments in the region, including through the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme, signals our shared commitment to a more resilient, prosperous West Africa, in line with priorities set by West African countries”, said Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, prior to the launch event. “Together, we will work to unlock market access and boost the export competitiveness of small businesses in key sectors, supporting sustainable, trade-led development”.
The ECOWAS component forms part of the wider EUR200 million EU-funded ATCMA programme, which includes one continental and five regional components covering ECOWAS, COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, and SADC.
Overall, the ATCMA–ECOWAS Programme reflects a strong, joint commitment by ECOWAS, the EU and its Member States, and the UN to advance regional integration, inclusive industrialization, and sustainable economic development in West Africa. Furthermore, it contributes to the achievement of ECOWAS Vision 2050, the aspirations of the AfCFTA aspirations and the African Union Agenda 2063.
In addition to the launch ceremony, a technical meeting was held between ECOWAS, the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, UNIDO, and ITC to coordinate the programme's operational framework and strategic implementation.
Source: UNIDO