UNIDO reaffirms support for Industrial Growth in West Africa

A delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), led by Director General Gerd Müller, has pledged continued support for industrial growth and trade competitiveness in West Africa.

The delegation met with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

The discussions centered on strengthening collaboration through the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Program (ATCMA) – Regional Component (WACOMP II), aimed at boosting sustainable intra-African and European Union trade.

Key focus areas included improving market access, reducing trade barriers, ensuring quality compliance, and enhancing value addition.

The leaders also explored strategies to diversify regional economies, strengthen value chains, and empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to boost exports.

As West Africa seeks to expand its industrial base and improve economic integration, the effectiveness of these commitments in delivering tangible benefits to businesses and industries remains a crucial question.