The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has announced that Ghana will host the Fifth Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry (ECOMOTI‑5) in Accra from June 11–12, 2026.

At a joint press briefing, ECOWAS Director of Trade Kolawole A. Sofola, ECOWAS Executive Director Dr. Simeon K. Koffi, Director of Industry Kofi Addo and Ghana’s Director of Trade Development Ebo Quayson said the meeting arrives as global trade governance, continental integration and competition for foreign direct investment are rapidly evolving.

They urged coordinated regional responses to protect ECOWAS member states’ economic interests indicating that over two days, ministers will review expert reports and recommendations on trade, industry, investment and competition.

Key agenda items include: Outcomes of the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Trade facilitation and removal of non‑tariff barriers. The ECOWAS Common Market Roadmap and protection of the Customs Union and Common External Tariff.

Delegates will also assess trade relations with major partners, the EU, UK, UAE, US and China, and stress the importance of a unified regional trade policy.

On investment and industrialisation, ministers will consider measures to accelerate manufacturing, operationalize the ECOWAS Common Investment Market (ECIM) and strengthen competition regulation and consumer protection.

ECOMOTI‑5 will bring together trade and industry ministers, senior ECOWAS and UEMOA officials, and representatives of regional and international organizations.

They reiterated that the meeting is expected to conclude with policy decisions and recommendations aimed at advancing regional integration, attracting investment and promoting sustainable economic growth across West Africa.