The ECOWAS Parliament has called for stronger support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across West Africa by removing barriers that make cross-border trade difficult.
The resolutions were reached during a meeting of the parliament’s committees on industry, finance, and economic policy held in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Speaking after the meeting, Co-Chairman of the Committee, Alhagie Darbo, urged ECOWAS member states to harmonise customs procedures, import regulations, tax policies, and business registration rules to make it easier for businesses to operate across the region.
The parliament also called for the full implementation of ECOWAS trade and investment agreements to remove non-tariff barriers, improve trade infrastructure, and create a more business-friendly environment.
It recommended policies that encourage entrepreneurship, support small businesses, improve access to affordable finance, and help women- and youth-owned businesses grow.
The lawmakers also urged the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to provide more funding for MSMEs through credit guarantees, concessional loans, and other financing programmes.
They further called for increased investment in regional industrial and agricultural clusters to boost production, create jobs, and strengthen regional trade.
The parliament pledged to continue working with member states to ensure the implementation of ECOWAS trade and investment policies aimed at improving economic integration across West Africa.
Nigerian lawmaker and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on SMEs, Pascal Agbodike, said Nigerian members of the ECOWAS Parliament would engage lawmakers at home to ensure the resolutions are implemented.
He also said concerns about Nigeria’s borders would be addressed.