ECOWAS Unveils Plan
9 West African countries unite to boost tourism with new transparency framework
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adopted a framework to strengthen the tourism sector in West Africa. The framework provides guidelines for the recognition and accreditation of Regional Business Associations (RBAs), with the aim of promoting transparency, accountability, and regional integration in the tourism sector.
The framework was adopted at a regional consultative meeting of the Confederation of Tourism Associations of West Africa (COPITOUR) held in Abuja on July 30, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from nine West African countries, including Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Senegal, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Development partners, including the European Union (EU) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), also participated in the meeting. Chief John Umoren of the ECOWAS Business and Enterprise Desk commented on the framework, stating that stronger institutional structures are necessary for tourism business associations to contribute to regional development.
The ECOWAS Commission is committed to strengthening Regional Business Associations as strategic partners in regional integration. The commission highlighted the links between tourism and other sectors, such as transport, hospitality, culture, creative industries, agriculture, trade, investment, and technology.
## Why it matters The adoption of the framework is significant for the tourism sector in West Africa, as it aims to promote transparency, accountability, and regional integration among tourism business associations. The ECOWAS Commission has called on COPITOUR to position itself as an effective private-sector partner in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS Regional Trade Liberalization Scheme.
The framework is expected to provide a roadmap for strengthening Regional Business Associations and improving their credibility, governance, and sustainability. With the adoption of the framework, the tourism sector in West Africa is poised for growth and development, with potential benefits for the regional economy and local communities.
