By Joy Omagha Idam
The ECOWAS Parliament has unveiled plans to host a strategic onboarding webinar designed to connect Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with emerging digital trade opportunities across Africa, as part of efforts to promote regional economic integration and business growth.
The virtual event, known as the African Trade Gateway (ATG) SME Onboarding Session, will hold on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (WAT) via Zoom. The programme is being organised under the West Africa SME Trade Facilitation and Market Access Programme (WATMAP).
With the theme, “Leveraging Digital Trade Platforms for Market Access, Trade Intelligence, and SME Growth Across Africa,” the webinar aims to equip entrepreneurs and business owners with practical knowledge on accessing new markets, utilising trade intelligence tools, and leveraging digital platforms to drive growth beyond national borders.
The initiative is powered by the Association of West African Legislative Correspondents (AWALCO) with the support of the ECOWAS Parliament. It is expected to attract exporters, women-owned enterprises, SMEs and MSMEs, agribusiness operators, manufacturers, service providers, trade associations, and businesses seeking to expand their footprint across regional and continental markets.
According to the organisers, participants interested in joining the onboarding programme are required to possess a valid Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Certificate of Incorporation, a Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Export Certificate, and an active email address.
The webinar forms part of activities commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the ECOWAS Parliament and underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering cross-border trade, enhancing market access, and supporting entrepreneurship across West Africa and the continent at large.
Stakeholders believe the initiative will provide businesses with direct access to digital trade platforms capable of facilitating market intelligence, trade services, networking opportunities, and customer acquisition across Africa, in line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
As Africa continues to embrace digital transformation, the onboarding session is expected to serve as a critical platform for empowering SMEs to compete effectively in regional and global markets while contributing to economic growth and job creation.
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