By Emma Elebeke

As West Africa marks 50 years of integration and shared progress, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its leadership in promoting regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment with the official launch of the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition (ECOTIFE). The flagship initiative is featured at the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), running from November 7–16 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The opening ceremony brought together top ECOWAS officials, diplomats, and business leaders from across the region. The event was officially declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh. The Lagos State Government was represented by Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.

Other notable attendees included Mr. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat; H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission (represented by Dr. Kalilou Sylla); ECOWAS Commissioners; representatives from Member States; and members of the diplomatic corps, highlighting the forum’s importance in advancing regional economic cooperation.

ECOTIFE 2025 is a key component of the ECOWAS@50 celebrations, commemorating five decades of regional solidarity and progress. The forum brings together policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and development partners to strengthen trade linkages, unlock investment opportunities, and celebrate West Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

“This platform captures the spirit of ECOWAS@50—the drive to connect markets, empower people, and unlock opportunities that transcend borders,” said H.E. Omar Alieu Touray. “ECOTIFE is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of West Africa’s resilience and creativity as we trade, innovate, and grow together.”

Highlighting ECOWAS’ continued commitment to economic integration, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, stated:

“Trade facilitation and investment promotion are central to ECOWAS’ economic integration agenda. ECOTIFE aligns with our strategic objectives to deepen intra-regional trade, strengthen regional value chains, and position West Africa as a competitive and sustainable investment destination.”

The Lagos International Trade Fair is one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and longest-running trade exhibitions, hosting over 1,600 exhibitors across 40,000m² of exhibition space and welcoming more than 500,000 visitors annually. Supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government, the fair provides a vital platform for business networking, investment promotion, and cross-border partnerships.

ECOTIFE 2025 features dynamic forums, exhibitions, and fashion showcases highlighting the region’s economic diversity and creative excellence. Exhibitors showcase innovative products and services that reflect the strength of regional value chains, while the fashion segment celebrates cross-border design collaborations and West Africa’s vibrant cultural identity.

High-level dignitaries attending ECOTIFE 2025 include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID); Mr. Jean Bakole, UNIDO Regional Director; and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, among other distinguished regional and international guests.

ECOTIFE 2025 stands as a beacon of regional cooperation and shared prosperity, reaffirming the collective vision of a borderless, prosperous, and self-reliant West Africa.