ECOWAS Hosts Consultative Meeting on Regional Tourism Business Associations Accreditation

Abuja: The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, in partnership with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), organized a one-day Consultative Meeting with the Confederation of Private Sector Organisations of Tourism in ECOWAS (COPITOUR). The meeting took place on 29 July 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, alongside the 9th Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE 2026). According to African Press Organization, the meeting gathered Presidents of National Tourism Associations across ECOWAS Member States, Directors General of Tourism Development Agencies, and key stakeholders from West Africa, including COPITOUR delegates from countries such as Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Nigeria. The event marked an important step in fostering regional integration and collaboration in the tourism sector. Dr. Kalilou Sylla, the Comm issioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Ms. Anna Wadda, emphasized the potential of tourism as a tool for promoting peace, cultural understanding, employment, investment, and economic prosperity in West Africa. The Directorate of Private Sector and Industry presented a new Framework for the Recognition of Regional Business Associations, which sets minimum standards for accreditation and is structured on seven pillars to ensure performance-based accreditation. Chief John Umoren, representing the ECOWAS Commission Private Sector and Industry directorate, highlighted the broad scope of tourism beyond just hotels and travel agencies, identifying it as a sector with substantial economic development opportunities. He advocated for the recognition of Sports Tourism and other creative sectors, encouraging COPITOUR to explore these areas as potential business ventures. The meeting concluded with unanimous adoption of the Framework by COPITOUR delegates, signaling a stra tegic step towards enhanced governance, transparency, accountability, and performance of Regional Business Associations in the region. Participants expressed optimism about future collaboration between ECOWAS and COPITOUR, viewing the meeting as a foundational moment for greater partnership.