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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary. The commitment was demonstrated at the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum and Exhibition (ECOTIFE 2025), a flagship initiative at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) holding from November 7 to 16, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The opening ceremony attracted top government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and development partners from across West Africa. It was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh. The Lagos State Government was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem.
Also in attendance were the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, represented by Dr. Kalilou Sylla, as well as ECOWAS Commissioners, representatives from member states, and members of the diplomatic corps. Their presence underscored the growing importance of regional cooperation and economic integration in driving shared prosperity across West Africa.
The ECOTIFE 2025 initiative forms part of the ECOWAS@50 celebrations, which commemorate five decades of regional unity and development since the organization’s founding in 1975. The event, according to organizers, symbolizes a renewed vision for a borderless and self-reliant West Africa built on trade, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Speaking during the opening, ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, described the forum as a reflection of the region’s determination to connect markets, empower people, and unlock opportunities that transcend borders. “ECOTIFE is more than an exhibition; it is a celebration of West Africa’s resilience and creativity as we trade, innovate, and grow together,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, emphasized the alignment of the initiative with ECOWAS’ broader economic goals. “Trade facilitation and investment promotion are central to ECOWAS’ economic integration agenda,” he said, noting that the event would help strengthen regional value chains and position West Africa as a competitive global investment destination.
The Lagos International Trade Fair, one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and longest-running exhibitions, provides the perfect platform for such regional collaboration. With over 1,600 exhibitors across 40,000 square meters of space and more than 500,000 visitors annually, the fair continues to promote business networking, investment opportunities, and cross-border partnerships.
At the heart of ECOTIFE 2025 are dynamic forums, exhibitions, and fashion showcases designed to highlight the diversity and potential of West Africa’s economy. Exhibitors are showcasing innovative products and services that demonstrate the region’s capacity in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, while the fashion segment celebrates the continent’s creative excellence through cross-border design collaborations.
High-level participation is also expected throughout the event, with notable speakers including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO); Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID); Mr. Jean Bakole, Regional Director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Through initiatives like ECOTIFE, ECOWAS continues to advance its founding mission of fostering economic integration, peace, and development across its fifteen member states. The regional body remains focused on creating a borderless, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa by deepening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and human development.
As ECOWAS marks its golden jubilee, the message from Lagos is clear — regional integration remains key to unlocking Africa’s potential for inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
