The ECOWAS Parliament has unveiled a digital trade initiative aimed at boosting market access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa through enhanced participation in the continent’s growing digital economy.
The programme, known as the African Trade Gateway (ATG), will be formally introduced during a virtual SME onboarding session scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, as part of efforts to deepen cross-border trade and economic integration.
Organised under the West Africa SME Trade Facilitation and Market Access Programme (WATMAP), the session is themed “Leveraging Digital Trade Platforms for Market Access, Trade Intelligence, and SME Growth Across Africa.”
According to organisers, the initiative is designed to equip businesses with digital tools, trade intelligence, and platform access needed to expand beyond domestic markets and tap into regional and continental opportunities.
The onboarding session targets exporters, SMEs, MSMEs, women-owned businesses, agribusiness operators, manufacturers, service providers, and trade associations seeking to scale operations across African markets.
Participants are expected to provide a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Certificate of Incorporation, a Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Export Certificate, and a valid email address to complete the onboarding process.
Supported by the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) and the ECOWAS Parliament, the initiative forms part of activities marking the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.
Stakeholders say the African Trade Gateway is expected to strengthen trade facilitation by connecting businesses to digital platforms that provide market intelligence, streamline transactions, and improve access to customers across Africa.
The initiative underscores ongoing regional efforts to leverage technology in driving inclusive economic growth, empowering SMEs, and enhancing Africa’s intra-regional trade.
