West African entrepreneurs, under the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC), are calling for stronger collaboration with ECOWAS to accelerate regional economic integration and meet global business standards. The coalition is positioning itself as a critical driver of change for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the subregion.
At the ESBC’s inaugural exhibition and workshop held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, stakeholders emphasized the importance of unified efforts to tackle economic challenges and leverage opportunities in the subregion. Entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders explored strategies to enhance trade, boost innovation, and strengthen the role of MSMEs in regional development.
A Call for Collective Action
Amina Suleiman, CEO of MINALADI Enterprises and ESBC Ambassador, emphasized that collaboration is the coalition’s greatest strength. “Our collective effort is key to success,” she stated. Suleiman called on entrepreneurs to see themselves as part of a larger regional movement, committed to shared goals and mutual progress.
Sylviane Kone, managing director of AGS Group and a former ECOWAS director of human resources, outlined the coalition’s efforts to harmonize MSME processes. She highlighted that standardization of products and services is crucial to building trust and competitiveness in both regional and global markets.
Addressing Security and Movement Challenges
Security challenges in the subregion were a recurring theme during the event. Mahamadou Kinta, president of Mali’s SME coalition, urged ECOWAS leaders to prioritize resolving these issues, which hinder the free movement of goods, people, and capital. “Without addressing security, our economic integration efforts will be severely hampered,” Kinta warned.
Cape Verde’s Loido Monteiro, ESBC Vice President and CEO of Smart Cities Project, echoed these sentiments while highlighting the transformative potential of partnerships. “By fostering collaboration, ECOWAS entrepreneurs can open doors to new markets, create jobs, and nurture the next generation of millionaires,” Monteiro stated.
A Vision for Regional Growth
The ESBC envisions a future where MSMEs are the backbone of a thriving ECOWAS economy. The coalition is focused on setting benchmarks for excellence, driving innovation, and promoting unity through shared business models. By standardizing practices and fostering regional partnerships, the coalition aims to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.
Entrepreneurs at the event expressed optimism about the coalition’s ability to influence policy, expand market access, and position West Africa as a competitive economic bloc. The ESBC also plans to engage governments and international organizations to support its initiatives and address barriers to business success.
The event closed with a commitment to continue building networks, sharing knowledge, and advocating for policies that empower MSMEs. As the ESBC builds momentum, it aims to be a model for regional collaboration, demonstrating the power of unity in achieving economic transformation for the ECOWAS region.
