First Vice President of the ECOWAS Women Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), Hon. Zainab Gimba, has urged women across West Africa to turn growing trade opportunities into sustainable businesses, jobs and greater economic influence.
She said women must position themselves to benefit from expanding regional and international markets while acquiring the skills needed to compete effectively in global trade.
Hon. Gimba made the call on Friday, September 25, 2026, when she delivered the welcome address at the ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass in Accra.
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The programme was held under the theme: “Advancing Women’s Participation in Global Trade for Political Readiness and Export Opportunities in the ECOWAS Region.”
According to her, the economic transformation of West Africa cannot be achieved without creating greater opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in trade, investment, entrepreneurship and decision-making.
“Women are not merely participants in economic development, but are recognized as drivers of trade, investment, innovation, political leadership and sustainable prosperity,” she said.
Hon. Gimba acknowledged the enormous economic potential of the ECOWAS region, pointing to its youthful population, natural resources, agricultural sector, entrepreneurial base, creative industries, cultural heritage and growing digital economy.
However, she said significant barriers continue to limit the ability of many women to take full advantage of these opportunities.
She identified limited access to finance, market information, technology, business networks and trade facilitation, alongside inadequate representation of women in decision-making, among the challenges inhibiting women entrepreneurs.
She said the problem is particularly pronounced among women attempting to move from small-scale businesses into formal, competitive and export-oriented enterprises.
“Our objective must be clear: to equip women not only to participate in trade, but to lead it, ultimately positioning them for political readiness and economic leadership,” she stated.
The ECOFEPA First Vice President argued that successful entrepreneurs can play important leadership roles by providing colleagues with experience, networks, confidence and economic influence.
She said women with stronger economic foundations would be better positioned to contribute to discussions and decisions affecting their communities and countries.
“Political readiness matters a lot,” Hon. Gimba said, stressing the need for women to be prepared not only to enter the marketplace but also to participate in decision-making on trade, investment, finance, industry and regional integration.
Hon. Gimba encouraged women entrepreneurs to explore opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the wider drive towards regional economic integration.
She cautioned, however, that access to markets alone would not guarantee success.
Women entrepreneurs, she said, must understand product standards, certification, packaging, branding, logistics, digital commerce, market intelligence, customs procedures, financing and the expectations of international buyers.
“We want participants to leave this programme not only inspired, but prepared,” she said.
She also called on governments, financial institutions, development partners, businesses and exporters to create an enabling environment through accessible financing, improved infrastructure, simplified procedures, reliable market information, mentorship and stronger business networks.
Hon. Gimba urged participants at the masterclass to share experiences, establish meaningful networks and translate the knowledge acquired into practical strategies for their businesses and communities.
She reiterated the programme’s broader message of “democratise prosperity and opportunities for all citizens,” saying women and young people should have access to the skills, resources, finance and markets required to succeed.
“Investing in women goes beyond gender equality. It creates jobs, strengthens families and communities, drives economic growth, and contributes to sustainable development,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to work collectively to transform trade opportunities into tangible economic outcomes, stating, “Together, let us transform knowledge into action, opportunities into enterprises, enterprise into jobs, and economic participation into lasting prosperity,” she said.