Source: Small Business Insights
West African entrepreneurs, under the banner of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC), are advocating for stronger collaboration with ECOWAS to fast-track regional economic integration and achieve global business standards. The coalition aims to serve as a key catalyst for advancing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the subregion.
During its inaugural exhibition and workshop held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, stakeholders underscored the need for a unified approach to addressing economic challenges and harnessing opportunities in the region. Entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders deliberated on strategies to promote trade, stimulate innovation, and amplify the contribution of MSMEs to regional development.
Emphasizing Collective Responsibility
Amina Suleiman, CEO of MINALADI Enterprises and an ESBC Ambassador, highlighted collaboration as the coalition’s most significant asset. “Our shared effort is the foundation of our success,” she affirmed, urging entrepreneurs to see themselves as integral to a larger regional movement dedicated to common objectives and mutual advancement.
Sylviane Kone, managing director of AGS Group and a former ECOWAS human resources director, detailed the coalition’s initiatives to streamline MSME operations. She stressed that product and service standardization is essential for fostering trust and ensuring competitiveness in both regional and global markets.
Tackling Security and Movement Constraints
Security issues in the subregion emerged as a central topic at the event. Mahamadou Kinta, president of Mali’s SME coalition, called on ECOWAS leaders to prioritize addressing these challenges, which obstruct the free flow of goods, people, and capital. “If we fail to resolve security concerns, our efforts toward economic integration will face significant setbacks,” Kinta cautioned.
Loido Monteiro, ESBC Vice President and CEO of Cape Verde’s Smart Cities Project, echoed these concerns while emphasizing the transformative potential of strategic partnerships. “Through collaboration, ECOWAS entrepreneurs can access new markets, generate jobs, and cultivate the next generation of millionaires,” Monteiro remarked.
A Shared Vision for Regional Progress
The ESBC envisions a future where MSMEs serve as the cornerstone of a flourishing ECOWAS economy. The coalition is dedicated to establishing excellence benchmarks, driving innovation, and fostering unity through shared business practices. By harmonizing processes and nurturing regional partnerships, the ESBC seeks to create a supportive ecosystem for sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurs attending the event expressed confidence in the coalition’s capacity to shape policy, enhance market opportunities, and position West Africa as a formidable economic bloc. The ESBC also intends to collaborate with governments and international organizations to advance its agenda and tackle barriers to business success.
The workshop concluded with a pledge to continue strengthening networks, exchanging insights, and advocating for policies that empower MSMEs. As the ESBC gains traction, it aspires to serve as a blueprint for regional cooperation, showcasing the impact of unity in driving economic transformation across the ECOWAS subregion.
