Strengthening data-driven trade for West African policy experts
West African countries increasingly recognize the power of regional cooperation to strengthen trade competitiveness. Trade policy professionals from across the region gathered in Banjul, The Gambia, from 23 to 27 September for an intensive five-day training on “Trade Competitiveness and Regional Value Chain Analysis” delivered by the International Trade Centre (ITC).
The workshop explained how to make data-driven decisions to boost their countries’ trade performance. The training centered around the use of the West African Competitiveness Observatory, a powerful monitoring tool of trade competitiveness of West African countries and the region. By consolidating data on trade flows, underlying factors of competitiveness, market opportunities, and value chains, the Observatory is helping West African countries and firms identify opportunities for growth.
The workshop was organized by the ITC West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP), coordinated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and funded by the European Union.
‘The West African Competitiveness Observatory is central to our efforts to create more informed trade policies,’ said Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, the Gambian Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.
‘By providing real-time insights into trade flows and competitiveness indicators, it enables us to identify key areas for improvement and align our strategies with market opportunities,’ he said in his opening remarks.
Enrica Pellecani, the EU Delegation’s Head of Cooperation, and Miatta Lily French, Resident Representative and Head of ECOWAS Permanent Mission to The Gambia, also attended the opening.
Participants came from English- and Portuguese-speaking West Africa. During hands-on sessions, they were introduced to key modules of the Observatory, including the Trade Competitiveness and Regional Value Chain modules. These tools provide detailed insights into national and regional trade performance.
That helps policymakers and businesses assess their country's performance in global, continental and regional markets and gain insights into competitiveness drivers related to trade policy, infrastructure, economic environment and sustainable development. Users can also explore new market opportunities and identify potential for regional value chain integration in sectors such as processed foods, textiles, and beauty products.
A future of regional trade competitiveness
For many participants, the training was more than just an academic exercise; it was an opportunity to forge stronger regional ties.
‘With over 10 years of experience in the public sector, I’ve often faced challenges in accessing tools that provide the data needed for policy analysis,’ said M. Richard Pratt, Director of Domestic Trade at the Liberian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
‘The training on Trade Competitiveness and Value Chain Analysis has bridged that gap, equipping me with the skills to perform my role more effectively,’ he said. ‘The insights gained from the West African Competitiveness Observatory will enable me to contribute to Liberia's economic growth by supporting informed policy decisions that enhance our competitiveness within West Africa, Africa, and globally.’
Participants returned home with the knowledge and tools to drive trade competitiveness and regional value chain integration. The training's impact will be seen as these professionals continue to use the West African Competitiveness Observatory to inform policies and strategies that strengthen West Africa's position in global markets.
