ECOWAS and WiLDAF Strengthen Capacities of Women Cross-Border Traders in The Gambia
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), recently conducted a significant five-day training workshop in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia, from May 18 to 22, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of women traders and entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks that govern their business activities.
Commitment to Economic Empowerment
During the workshop’s opening, Mrs. Miatta French, the ECOWAS Permanent Representative to The Gambia, delivered remarks on behalf of Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture. She emphasized the Commission’s dedication to fostering a community centered on peace and shared prosperity. This initiative aligns with ECOWAS Vision 2050, which prioritizes women and youth in the region’s development agenda.
Mrs. French highlighted the essential role women play in cross-border trade, noting the progress made in recent years toward their empowerment. She pointed to ongoing efforts to implement policies that improve the conditions for women entrepreneurs and traders throughout the region.
Strategic Framework for Women in Trade
A key component of this initiative is the three-year work plan established by the Women in Trade Sub-Committee under the Regional Trade Facilitation framework. This plan outlines targeted interventions aimed at enhancing women’s participation in trade. Specific actions include developing women-friendly border infrastructure, adopting simplified trade regimes, and creating effective mechanisms for reporting harassment incidents at border crossings.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Mr. Jammeh, underscored the importance of cross-border trade as a driver of economic integration and resilience in West Africa. He noted that this trade facilitates the movement of goods and services across national borders, strengthens regional value chains, and promotes the free movement of people—essential elements of the ECOWAS vision.
Informal Trade and Economic Impact
Mr. Jammeh further highlighted that informal cross-border trade constitutes a significant portion of regional commerce in West Africa. This sector is crucial for supporting livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security, with women serving as the backbone of cross-border trading activities.
Mme. Antoinette Mbrou, the Coordinator for West Africa at WiLDAF, expressed gratitude to the Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG) for its collaboration and commitment to the initiative. She emphasized the need for strengthened partnerships among civil society organizations, public institutions, and regional stakeholders to promote women’s participation in trade. Such collaborations are vital for overcoming the structural barriers that limit women’s economic potential.
Transformative Investments in Women
In her concluding remarks, Mme. Mbrou reiterated the transformative impact of investing in women. She argued that educating women strengthens families, supporting women traders stimulates economic growth, and empowering women contributes to sustainable progress in food security and regional development.
Throughout the workshop, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks governing cross-border trade in West Africa, particularly in The Gambia. They developed the capacity to identify and comply with necessary documentation for lawful business operations and recognized the importance of formalizing their economic activities, including both immediate and long-term benefits.
Building Advocacy and Awareness
The training also focused on enhancing participants’ communication and advocacy skills, enabling them to engage effectively with decision-makers and defend their economic rights. Collectively, participants created a structured advocacy plan outlining priority actions to pursue with relevant authorities. Additionally, a comprehensive mobilization and awareness-raising strategy was established to empower women traders within their communities, fostering more inclusive and sustainable regional trade practices.
This initiative not only strengthens the role of women in the agribusiness sector but also contributes to the broader goals of economic integration and resilience in West Africa. By equipping women with the necessary tools and knowledge, ECOWAS and WiLDAF are paving the way for a more equitable trading environment that benefits the entire region.
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