ECOWAS Enhances Trade Cooperation Between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana

The ECOWAS Commission organized a bilateral meeting in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, with support from TradeMark Africa, to facilitate trade between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. This meeting was part of ECOWAS's efforts to reduce technical barriers to trade and strengthen regional economic integration, aligning with the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) approved by ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry on 16 May 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The discussions allowed both countries to examine practical arrangements for the MRA's implementation, identify priority products, and agree on operational steps. They also committed to using ECOWAS harmonized inspection procedures and regional sanitary and phytosanitary inspection procedures.

Recommendations included designating competent national authorities, establishing a technical management committee, and enhancing capacity for inspection bodies. The MRA aims to minimize redundant inspections and compliance costs while maintaining quality standards, thereby improving business competitiveness and boosting trade between the two nations.