Bukola Afeni
As West Africa marks 50 years of integration and shared progress, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its leadership in promoting regional trade, innovation, and sustainable investment through the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Forum & Exhibition (ECOTIFE).
The landmark event, a flagship initiative of ECOWAS, is holding as part of the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) from November 7 to 16, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The opening ceremony brought together top ECOWAS officials, diplomats, and business leaders from across the region. The program was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh
Speaking on the significance of the event, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission and ECOWAS Commissioner in charge of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, said:
“This platform captures the spirit of ECOWAS@50, and the drive 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 noted that ECOTIFE 2025 forms an integral part of the ECOWAS@50 celebrations, symbolizing the region’s shared vision for a borderless, prosperous, and self-reliant West Africa.
The initiative brings together policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and development partners to deepen regional integration and promote inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the organization’s focus on trade facilitation and investment promotion.
“Trade facilitation and investment promotion are central to ECOWAS’ economic integration agenda. ECOTIFE aligns with our strategic objective to deepen intra-regional trade, strengthen regional value chains, and position West Africa as a competitive and sustainable investment destination,” he said.
The Lagos International Trade Fair remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and longest-running trade exhibitions, featuring over 1,600 exhibitors across 40,000m² of exhibition space and attracting more than 500,000 visitors annually.
Supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government, the fair serves as a strategic platform for business networking, investment promotion, and cross-border partnerships.
At the heart of ECOTIFE 2025 are its forums, exhibitions, and fashion showcases, highlighting the diversity and potential of West Africa’s economy.
The exhibitions spotlight innovative products and services that strengthen regional value chains, while the fashion showcases celebrate the region’s creative excellence through cross-border design collaborations.
The forum will also feature high-level participation from global and regional leaders, 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, UNIDO Regional Director; and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Nigeria, among other dignitaries.
With ECOTIFE 2025, ECOWAS reaffirms its dedication to economic integration, sustainable growth, and shared prosperity across the West African subregion.
The Lagos State Government was represented by Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.
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; ECOWAS Commissioners, representatives from Member States, and members of the diplomatic corps underscoring the forum’s importance in advancing regional trade and investment cooperation.
