ECOWAS Parliament Endorses Customs Harmonisation for MSMEs

The ECOWAS Parliament has endorsed the harmonisation of customs procedures and expanded access to affordable finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to facilitate regional economic integration in West Africa. This resolution was adopted at the conclusion of the Parliament’s delocalised meeting of the Joint Committee on Industry and Private Sector, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research, Administration, Finance and Budget, and Public Accounts held in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Co-Chairman Hon Alhagie Darbo presented the communiqué, urging member states to align customs procedures, import regulations, taxation policies, and business registration requirements. The Parliament also called for the implementation of ECOWAS trade protocols, elimination of non-tariff barriers, and increased investment in trade-supporting infrastructure.

Recommendations included improving market governance, expanding financial inclusion initiatives, and enhancing access to finance for women-owned and youth-led MSMEs. The Parliament charged the ECOWAS Commission to strengthen the implementation of the ECOWAS MSME Development Policy (2021–2030) and establish export support mechanisms.