West Africa took a major step toward real, unhindered regional trade this week as the Third Group of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) Task Force officially convened in Cotonou for its inaugural meeting on November 5 and 6, 2026.
The two-day summit marks the start of an ambitious four-year mandate focused on turning long-held economic promises into everyday realities for cross-border merchants, transporters, and businesses across the sub-region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the ECOWAS Commission H.E. General Birame Diop made it clear that technical agreements are no longer enough.
“Our regional market cannot thrive when goods spend days stalled at checkpoints. This team’s focus over the next four years must be practical enforcement working directly at border posts to ensure trade rules are respected on the ground.” — H.E. General Birame Diop, President of the ECOWAS Commission
Host nation representative Mr. Aristide Medenou, Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Cooperation, emphasized the high stakes for the region’s broader economic health.
“Eliminating non-tariff barriers is essential for building a resilient regional economy. Benin is fully committed to supporting the Task Force in clearing the path for our local industries to reach every corner of West Africa without unfair delay.” — Mr. Aristide Medenou, Minister of Economy and Finance, Benin
Addressing the operational focus of the new term, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Hon. Dephue Y. Zuo, pointed to measurable performance goals.
“Success will be measured by shorter travel times and smoother border crossings. We are giving our technical teams the backing they need to intervene quickly whenever compliance issues arise.” — Hon. Dephue Y. Zuo, Commissioner for Economic Affairs & Agriculture
The event also marked a formal changing of the guard. Outgoing Task Force Chairman H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas officially passed the leadership banner to incoming Chairman Hon. Musa Silla.
Looking back on his tenure, Dr. Ibn Chambas expressed confidence in the fresh leadership.
“We have established strong frameworks over the years, but executing them requires constant drive. I step aside confident that Hon. Musa Silla and his team will confront remaining trade bottlenecks with fresh vigor.” — H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Outgoing Chairman
Stepping into the role, incoming Chairman Hon. Musa Silla outlined a proactive agenda centered on solving everyday trade disputes.
“Our mandate is straightforward: clear the way for West African commerce. We will spend less time in meeting rooms and more time resolving real-world obstacles alongside border officials, port authorities, and business communities.” — Hon. Musa Silla, Incoming Chairman of the ETLS Task Force
Supported by the Task Force Secretariat and ECOWAS Commission Directors, the incoming leadership team will guide regional trade monitoring through 2030.
