Organisation2 – ECOWAS TPO Network

Organisation Structure

Establishment

ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisations (TPO) Network

The ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisations (TPO) Network was established by Decision C/DEC.2/06/21 at the Eighty-Sixth Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, held in Accra from 16–17 June 2021. With the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Network was officially launched during its First Annual General Assembly on 15–16 July 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria. The Network brings together national Trade Promotion Organisations from ECOWAS Member States to coordinate and enhance trade promotion efforts across West Africa.

Legal Framework

In Article 2 of the founding Decision, the Network—referred to as the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisations (TPO) Network—is established as a regional mechanism to foster cooperation among TPOs in promoting regional and international trade. The Network is a public-sector-led initiative working closely with the ECOWAS Commission to support inclusive trade development and enhance the visibility of West African goods and services in global markets.

Membership Structure

In accordance with Article 3, the ECOWAS TPO Network is composed of Ordinary, Associate, and Affiliate Members, allowing for a broad and flexible participation framework. The overarching objective, as outlined in Article 4, is to meet the expectations of the private sector by strengthening the competitiveness of the West African region through value chain development, improved trade links, and enhanced regional integration.

Governance & Committees

The Network elects a President and Vice-President from among its TPO members, following an alphabetical rotation system. The President and Vice-President are supported by four Technical Committees, established based on the evolving priorities of the Network. These committees include:

Each committee plays a vital role in driving the operational and strategic objectives of the Network.

Technical Committees

Trade Policies and strategies

This committee’s mandate is to inform members of the Network about trade-related opportunities emerging from national and sub-regional policy developments. It also coordinates and strengthens the monitoring mechanisms of member Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs) to ensure effective policy implementation. Additionally, the support the Executive Secretary in carrying out sectorial studies and will ensure strategic monitoring through (among others):

Production of information on potential export markets to TPOs;
Production of credible and relevant information for the integration of value chains and actors in the ECOWAS markets;
Identify, facilitate and monitor development strategies for priority growth sectors with high intra-regional export potential;
Establish a strategic watch system (of these sectors, services, and industries on the domestic and international markets);
Gather information on market trends;
Report on changes in international norms and standards;
Provide information on the policies and strategies of the various customers, suppliers, development partners and regional and international institutions;
Conduct market research.

This committee is led by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA)

Trade Promotion and Events

This committee plays a vital role in disseminating information on continental and international trade events, enabling TPOs to support the participation of ECOWAS businesses and promote their products globally. It also works to coordinate and support trade promotion activities organized within the ECOWAS region, thereby strengthening the visibility and competitiveness of West African goods and services.

This committee is responsible for:

This Technical Committee is led by the Export Promotion Agency of Guinea (AGUIPEX)

Financial Affairs and Resource Mobilization

This committee plays a critical role in identifying funding opportunities, coordinating financial planning, and mobilizing resources to support TPON activities. Its membership also includes the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Export Promotion Agency of Guinea-Bissau.

Under the coordination of the Executive Secretariat, this Committee will be responsible for executing all activities related to the finances and accounting of the Network. As such, responsibilities include:

Collections and disbursements for the benefit of Network activities;
Financial monitoring of Network activities;
Prepare the balance sheet
Hold all accounting documents for expenses incurred in connection with Network activities;
Make annual budget proposals to the Executive Secretary;
Update the Network's budget lines with the Executive Secretary;
Take stock of network members' contributions;
Issue invoices and vouchers;
Make the various purchases (equipment and materials) for the Network;
Provide logistics for the Network's activities.

This committee is led by the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA)

Communication and Marketing

This Technical committee’s responsibilities include coordinating media coverage of TPON activities, managing and updating the Network’s website, preparing official announcements, distributing key documents, and organizing conferences. It plays a central role in promoting TPON’s initiatives and enhancing its public image across the region and beyond.

The Technical Committee will work closely with the Executive Secretary, and will be responsible for the executing eth following functions:

Media coverage of Network activities;
Animation and maintenance of the Network website;
Preparation of media announcements;
Distribution of Network documents;
The organization of conferences, if necessary.

This committee is led by CV TradeInvest of Cabo Verde