Entrepreneurs from across West Africa highlighted the critical role of collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in achieving economic integration goals during the inaugural exhibition and workshop of the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC).
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), participants expressed optimism about the coalition’s potential to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate adherence to regional and global business standards.
Mrs. Amina Suleiman, CEO of MINALADI Enterprises, a Nigerian fashion design firm and newly appointed ESBC ambassador, hailed the power of unity among entrepreneurs. “Coming together to form a coalition is helping SMEs to grow, and I believe we’re on the path to seeing numerous millionaires emerge from this event,” she stated. Suleiman spoke of the invaluable knowledge gained from attending lectures and networking with fellow African entrepreneurs, emphasizing the strength found in unity.
Mrs. Sylviane Kone, Managing Director of AGS Group in Ivory Coast and a former ECOWAS Director of Human Resources, underscored the necessity for collaboration in standardizing products to enhance competitiveness. “We have to be one and standardize our products if we want to succeed,” Kone explained, highlighting the collective opportunities available through trade among the 15 ECOWAS member states.
Mahamadou Kinta, CEO of Kinta Enterprises and President of the SMEs coalition in Mali, acknowledged the challenges posed by ongoing security issues in Mali that hinder the free movement of goods and people. He called on ECOWAS and the African Union to address these challenges, stating, “This event is about strengthening businesses in our region, and we appreciate the initiative from ECOWAS.”
Mrs. Assetou Djibo, an entrepreneur from Burkina Faso, emphasized the importance of collective action to combat barriers to SME growth. “Collaboration among our members is critical to achieving ECOWAS’s economic integration objectives,” she asserted.
Dr. Ebiekure Eradiri, President of the All Africa Association of MSMEs, highlighted the significance of product standardization to ensure that goods produced by SMEs are “concurrent, uniform, and acceptable” across the region. He stressed the need for a universal framework that accommodates the differing regulations of member countries.
Ms. Loido Monteiro from Cape Verde, CEO of the Smart Cities Project and ESBC Vice President, expressed optimism about entering new markets within ECOWAS. “Through partnerships, we can create jobs and produce our future millionaires,” she remarked, while acknowledging existing challenges in transport and finance.