The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Champions Women-Led Digital Trade in West Africa
In his statement on behalf of Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, welcomed participants and noted the event's importance in advancing inclusive digital transformation. He highlighted that the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, adopted by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in July 2023, places women, youth, and small-scale producers at the centre of digital trade reforms to promote regional integration and inclusive development. Through platforms and dialogues such as the workshop, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to gender-responsive policymaking and sustainable digital trade development in West Africa.
In her opening remarks, Madam Sonia NNAGOZIE, the representative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlighted the role of digital trade in unlocking new opportunities for women entrepreneurs across West Africa. She echoed the importance of the workshop in delivering actionable recommendations to improve women's participation in digital trade. She went on to commend ECOWAS for leading the way in building an enabling digital ecosystem that supports women and appreciated the ongoing partnership between UNCTAD and ECOWAS.
The workshop served as a platform for dialogue, policy coordination, and knowledge sharing. Participants discussed the structural and policy barriers women face in participating in the digital economy, and shared practical solutions and good practices that promote women's digital empowerment.
The event also showcased ECOWAS-led initiatives such as the ECOWAS Trade and Gender Action Plan, export readiness trainings, and platforms like the 50 Million African Women Speak (50MAWS) and the Business-to-Business matchmaking platform of the West Africa Competitiveness Observatory.
The Workshop was attended by a cross-section of stakeholders including women entrepreneurs, representatives of Ministries responsible for trade in ECOWAS, and development partners.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
6 hours ago
- The National
Saudi Arabia shows strong resilience amid global economic shocks, IMF says
Saudi Arabia's economy has shown "strong resilience", defying global economic shocks amid the growth of its non-oil economy, tamed inflation and record-low unemployment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said. The Arab world's biggest economy is expected to keep its non-oil growth above 3.5 per cent over the medium term, which mirrors the positive impacts led by its Vision 2030 economic programme, the Washington-based lender said in its annual assessment of the kingdom on Monday. The IMF last week projected Saudi Arabia's economy to expand at a 3.6 per cent pace in 2025 and 3.9 per cent in 2026, supported by the continued phase-out of Opec+ production cuts. In 2024, non-oil real gross domestic product grew by 4.5 per cent, driven by retail, hospitality, and construction, according to the agency. The country, the world's top-oil exporting nation, has enjoyed robust domestic demand spurred by government-led projects and the hosting of major international events, the agency said. Consumer prices are expected to remain contained, while its current account deficit is seen to persist over the medium term, it added. Saudi Arabia's banking sector remained resilient, with lenders' balance sheets staying robust underpinned by high capitalisation, profitability and non-performing loans at their lowest levels in nearly a decade, the IMF said. Unemployment among Saudi nationals also hit a record low, as the jobless rate among youth and women halved over four years, the lender added. Directors of the IMF's executive board said Saudi Arabia's strong economic performance merits a "favourable" outlook, "helped by appropriate macroeconomic policies, strong buffers and impressive reform momentum". The directors agreed that a gradual fiscal consolidation is needed to achieve intergenerational equity, which could be achieved "through broader tax policy reforms to increase non-oil revenue, wage bill containment, energy subsidy reform alongside better targeting social safety nets and streamlining of non-essential expenditures". Saudi Arabia is focusing on diversifying its economy away from oil with an emphasis on the development of sectors such as technology, property, tourism and infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. The kingdom is supporting the development of several industries spanning different sectors to generate employment and help its non-oil economy to grow.
Arabian Post
13 hours ago
- Arabian Post
OPEC+ Output Boost Sparks Worries Over Oversupply Impact
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices fell sharply after OPEC+ announced plans to raise its production output by 547,000 barrels per day, effective from September. The decision, which came in line with market expectations, has raised fresh concerns about the potential for a global oversupply, especially as fears mount over the long-term impact of economic challenges driven by the US-led trade war. Brent crude dipped toward $69 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $67, reflecting a sharp pullback following the announcement. The decision to increase output marks a shift in OPEC+ strategy, after several months of production cuts aimed at stabilising oil prices during periods of uncertain demand. However, with global economic headwinds, particularly from trade tensions and slowing growth in major economies, questions are now being raised about whether this increase in supply could overwhelm demand. ADVERTISEMENT Analysts have pointed out that the ongoing US-China trade conflict may be having a profound effect on global energy consumption. The trade war, which has led to tariffs and retaliatory measures between the two largest economies, continues to disrupt global supply chains and dampen business activity. Slower growth in industrial production and manufacturing in key markets has prompted concerns that energy demand could continue to weaken in the face of broader economic struggles. The increase in production from OPEC+ countries, particularly from the likes of Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iraq, comes at a critical juncture for global oil markets. While the move was made to ease rising prices and provide some breathing room for oil-dependent economies, the effect of this policy shift is complex. Economists argue that by adding more barrels to an already fragile market, OPEC+ could inadvertently drive down prices further, straining the economic recovery in various parts of the world. For the time being, the immediate impact of the decision has been reflected in market reactions, with investors showing caution. Oil futures have displayed heightened volatility in response to these developments, as traders remain uncertain about how the oil market will balance the twin pressures of increased supply and potential demand weakness. The decision was met with mixed reactions from within OPEC+ itself, with some members pushing for a more aggressive increase in output, while others expressed concerns about the potential for exacerbating the supply glut. The divergence of views within the coalition underscores the challenges facing the organisation as it attempts to navigate global economic headwinds. Some member states with economies heavily reliant on oil exports may welcome the production increase as a means to inject more revenue into their national coffers. However, the overall effect on oil prices may ultimately prove counterproductive, especially as the US energy sector continues to grow and exert pressure on global markets. The decision by OPEC+ to increase output by this amount is also raising questions about the future of production cuts and supply management. The group has made strides to curtail output in recent years in a bid to boost prices, but with uncertainty surrounding demand forecasts, it remains to be seen whether these additional barrels will be absorbed by the market or contribute to further price erosion. Some market watchers have speculated that the OPEC+ move could be an attempt to pre-emptively counterbalance a potential slowdown in demand as a result of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The trade war, for instance, has prompted governments to enact policies aimed at reducing energy consumption and shifting toward greener, more sustainable energy sources, all of which could place long-term downward pressure on fossil fuel consumption. Amid these shifting dynamics, some experts are also questioning whether OPEC+ will be able to continue its production increase strategy without facing backlash from consumers and governments alike. With many nations already feeling the strain of high fuel prices, there is a growing sentiment that increasing output may not be the best course of action, particularly in light of concerns about the broader economic slowdown.
Tourism Breaking News
3 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
EPEX expands its strategic partnership with ICCA Middle East Chapter
Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX), the region's leading B2B platform for the MICE, weddings, and luxury events industry announced the continuation and expansion of its strategic partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association – Middle East Chapter (ICCA ME). This renewed alliance marks a significant evolution in EPEX's engagement strategy by introducing qualified association representatives into its Hosted Buyer Programme for the first time. In 2025, EPEX and ICCA ME are jointly bringing a select group of international association leaders to participate in the show. These association representatives (majorly from Medical associations) have expressed genuine interest in hosting future congresses and events in the Middle East. Their presence will provide EPEX exhibitors and destination partners with a rare opportunity to understand the deeper requirements of international congresses and the decision-making dynamics behind destination selection. The partnership will also feature an ICCA-led Leadership Session during EPEX 2025, where these invited association leaders will engage in a panel discussion titled 'More Than Meetings: How Association Congresses Drive Impact, Legacy, and Destination Strategy'. Moderated by Anju Gomes, Senior Regional Director, ICCA ME, this session will uncover the real priorities of associations—from aligning with national development goals to achieving long-term impact in knowledge and community exchange. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how destinations, venues, and local stakeholders can position themselves not just as hosts, but as long-term partners in delivering transformational outcomes. 'This expanded partnership with ICCA ME brings a crucial new dimension to EPEX,' said Karishma Hundalani, Head of Brand and Content at POW WOW Marketing, organizers of EPEX. 'As the region grows its credentials as a global hub for international meetings and congresses, it's important that we also enable real conversations around legacy, collaboration, and value co-creation. We're excited to welcome association leaders to EPEX and look forward to building on this momentum year-round.'
