A regional workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of women cross-border traders has opened in The Gambia, bringing together traders, government officials, legal experts, and representatives of the ECOWAS Commission to promote economic empowerment and regional trade integration.
The workshop, organised in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), focused on improving women traders’ understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the movement of goods and persons within the ECOWAS region.
Opening the event, the Coordinator of the Human Rights Lawyers Association of The Gambia, welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of empowering women traders through knowledge and legal awareness.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Deputy Permanent Secretary Abdoulie Jammeh described transborder trade as a vital driver of economic integration, growth and resilience in West Africa. They noted that the free movement of goods and people remains a cornerstone of the ECOWAS mission.
“Across West Africa, informal cross-border trade accounts for a substantial share of regional commerce, supporting livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security,” the representative stated.
The DPS further highlighted the significant contribution of women to regional trade, noting that studies across the ECOWAS region indicate that women are responsible for between 60 and 80 per cent of informal cross-border trade activities. Despite their contributions, women traders continue to face major obstacles, including low literacy levels, limited access to information on legal and regulatory procedures, cumbersome administrative systems, and inadequate awareness of their rights under ECOWAS trade protocols.
“These challenges not only constrain their economic potential but also perpetuate vulnerability and undermine regional integration efforts,” the official said.
Organisers explained that the workshop seeks to address these barriers by equipping participants with practical knowledge on trade procedures, legal rights, and advocacy skills necessary for successful cross-border business operations.
The Government of The Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment, stressing that sustainable regional integration cannot be achieved without the active participation of women entrepreneurs.
The DPS also highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Gambia CTRED programme, which since 2019 has supported more than 180 women entrepreneurs through capacity building, product quality improvement, packaging enhancement, and market access support.
The ECOWAS Commission was commended for its continued efforts to support small-scale women traders and strengthen awareness of regional trade opportunities and procedures. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the training sessions and share the knowledge gained with other women traders across the country.
The workshop was officially declared open with renewed calls for stronger collaboration to promote inclusive economic development and expand opportunities for women within the ECOWAS market.
