The ECOWAS Commission has concluded the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Steering Committee for the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme – ECOWAS Component, held from June 17 to 19, 2026, in Banjul, The Gambia.
The programme is funded by the European Union (EU) through its Global Gateway Initiative and is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
The ATCMA Programme is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of regional value chains, improve market access for businesses and enhance intra-regional and international trade opportunities across West Africa.
During the meeting, members of the Strategic Steering Committee discussed implementation priorities, governance structures and collaborative approaches for delivering the programme’s objectives across ECOWAS member states.
Officials noted that the initiative will support the development of competitive agricultural and industrial value chains by promoting quality standards, improving productivity and strengthening the capacity of businesses to access regional and global markets.
The programme is also expected to enhance trade facilitation, encourage private sector participation and improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating within the agribusiness sector.
Stakeholders emphasized that strengthening regional value chains is essential to unlocking the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advancing economic integration across West Africa.
The ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to working with development partners, governments and the private sector to implement initiatives that promote sustainable trade, industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.
The ATCMA Programme is expected to play a key role in improving market access, boosting agricultural exports and enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of West African economies.
