Enugu Partners ECOWAS to Empower SMEs Through Regional Trade Workshop

MC ADA NKANU


The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ECOWAS National Unit) and LONES, is set to host a landmark one-day workshop on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) aimed at strengthening free trade and regional economic integration across West Africa.

The workshop, which takes place on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the International Conference Center, Enugu, is jointly coordinated by the Enugu SME Center/Office of Digital Economy. It is expected to attract a wide range of stakeholders including policymakers, entrepreneurs, exporters, and small business owners from across the South-East.

With the theme “Increasing Intra-Regional Trade through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS),” the programme seeks to equip participants with practical knowledge on how to export goods duty-free to ECOWAS countries, access new markets, and take advantage of cross-border trade opportunities.

Speaking on the forthcoming event, the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Magnus Eze, said the ETLS, established in 1979, remains one of ECOWAS’ strongest tools for promoting economic integration, industrialisation, and job creation in the region.

He noted that Nigeria accounts for over 36 percent of all registered companies under the ETLS, representing more than 3,000 firms and 6,000 certified products, underscoring the country’s leadership in regional trade.

The Enugu workshop is therefore designed to deepen awareness among SMEs and informal traders on how to leverage the ETLS for business expansion, innovation, and competitiveness.

According to the organisers, the programme aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of transforming Enugu into a hub of innovation and commerce by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to tap into regional value chains.

Interested participants are encouraged to register through the link: https://bit.ly/ELTS-Registration.

The event will further position Enugu as a strategic gateway for regional trade and investment, reaffirming the state’s commitment to driving inclusive economic growth through innovation, partnerships, and sustainable enterprise development.


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