The Economic Community of West African States and Denmark, through the Danish International Development Agency, launched their partnership under the Increased Trade and Regional Economic Integration in Africa initiative.
The inaugural meeting took place at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on October 8, 2026.
The ITREIA project sits within ECOWAS’s Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture. Its stated aims are to strengthen the Commission’s capacity and regional coordination, enhance cross-border trade, remove non-tariff barriers and accelerate market integration across West Africa.
The programme supports Pillar 3 of ECOWAS Vision 2050, which addresses regional interconnectivity and economic integration. It targets three core outcome areas: growth in intra-regional trade, reduction of non-tariff barriers and market competitiveness.
Ms. Julie Rosenkilde Hannibal, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Denmark to Nigeria, said Denmark remains committed to supporting West Africa’s economic integration agenda.
She noted that robust institutional frameworks and streamlined market access are pivotal drivers of regional stability.
Mr. Kolawole Sofola, Director of Trade at the ECOWAS Commission, spoke on behalf of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Dehpue Zuo.
He thanked the Danish Government for its partnership and support in empowering the Commission to pursue improved economic growth and livelihoods for citizens in West Africa.
The bilateral agreement was finalised in August 2026.
The kick-off session set out key operational procedures for programme execution, with deliberations covering project governance, financial management protocols, reporting schedules, the recruitment of an inception consultant and the composition of the dedicated Project Implementation Unit.
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