Amanze Chinonye
West Africa’s economic integration milestone, ECOWAS@50, is spotlighting regional trade, investment, and innovation through the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition (ECOTIFE) at the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF).
Running from 7–16 November at Tafawa Balewa Square, the forum positions West Africa as a competitive investment destination.
The opening ceremony brought together top ECOWAS officials, business leaders, and diplomats. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh, while Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, represented the state government.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOther notable attendees included Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, represented by Dr. Kalilou Sylla.
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“ECOTIFE embodies ECOWAS’ mission to connect markets, empower businesses, and unlock cross-border opportunities,” said H.E. Omar Alieu Touray. “It’s a platform where West Africa’s economic potential is showcased through trade, innovation, and investment.”
Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at ECOWAS, emphasized, “Deepening intra-regional trade, strengthening value chains, and attracting sustainable investment remain central to ECOWAS’ agenda.
ECOTIFE delivers on these priorities by linking policymakers, investors, and innovators under one roof.”
The Lagos International Trade Fair, one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest trade events, hosts over 1,600 exhibitors across 40,000m² of space, attracting more than 500,000 visitors annually. With strong backing from the Federal and Lagos State governments, it has become a strategic platform for deal-making, networking, and market expansion.
ECOTIFE 2025 features sector-focused forums, trade exhibitions, and fashion showcases, highlighting the region’s innovative products, robust value chains, and creative industries. It demonstrates the commercial opportunities available across West Africa while reinforcing ECOWAS’ commitment to regional economic growth.
Key speakers include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO; Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID); Mr. Jean Bakole, UNIDO Regional Director; and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, among other business and policy leaders.
ECOWAS drives economic integration, trade facilitation, and investment across 15 West African states.
The organization works to create a borderless, economically resilient region by supporting infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and human capital development initiatives.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
