ECOWAS Lawmakers Urged to Support Women in Global Trade
Officials in Accra called for the removal of financial and technical barriers preventing women from thriving in international markets.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in International Trade
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Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey has called on ECOWAS member states to dismantle significant barriers hindering women's participation in global trade. The request was issued during a recent Executive Masterclass hosted by the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association in Accra.
Why it matters
Removing systemic obstacles allows women entrepreneurs to gain economic autonomy and compete effectively in international markets. This shift is intended to drive regional development by strengthening economic opportunities through improved access to finance and technology.
The regional initiative is guided by the National Gender Policy 2025-2030 framework. This strategy aims to address long-standing challenges, including non-tariff barriers, complex customs procedures, and high transportation costs for female traders.
The players
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey
She serves as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association
This group facilitates legislative and executive dialogue regarding gender issues across West African member states.
AfCFTA Secretariat
This body oversees the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.
The details
The ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association convened stakeholders to ensure that economic policy commitments are translated into tangible business improvements. Discussions highlighted that restricted access to digital tools and capital are primary impediments to successful trade expansion for women in the region.
Timeline
The Second ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar and Extraordinary Session began on Monday.
The ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass took place in Accra on Friday.
The parliamentary session and seminar concluded on Saturday.
The National Gender Policy framework covers the 2025-2030 period.
Market Dynamics
The call for ratification of the Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade updates the regional legislative commitment to equitable market access. This move follows a pattern of increasing integration efforts aimed at reducing trade friction within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs may see a reduction in bureaucratic trade barriers if proposed policies are successfully ratified. Investors tracking emerging African markets should monitor these shifts as indicators of improved market accessibility for women-led ventures.
The takeaway
Advocates suggest that achieving economic parity requires both policy reform and direct collaborative efforts between governmental institutions and the private sector. Expanding digital access and reducing non-tariff barriers remain the most critical steps to ensuring equitable participation in future trade cycles.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Ghanaian Times.
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