ECOWAS Adopts Framework to Bolster Tourism Associations Across West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has introduced a new framework designed to bolster the organization, representation, and regional influence of tourism business associations throughout the sub-region.

This framework establishes guidelines for recognizing and accrediting Regional Business Associations (RBAs), aiming to foster transparency, accountability, enhanced institutional governance, and deeper regional integration within the tourism sector.

The framework was adopted during a regional consultative meeting of the Confederation of Tourism Associations of West Africa (COPITOUR), held in Abuja on July 30, 2026, with participation from tourism stakeholders across the sub-region.

The gathering brought together representatives from Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Senegal, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, alongside development partners such as the European Union (EU) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Chief John Umoren of the ECOWAS Business and Enterprise Desk commented on the framework, stating that stronger institutional structures are essential to enable tourism business associations to contribute more effectively to regional development.

He noted that the framework would serve as a roadmap for strengthening Regional Business Associations, thereby improving their credibility, governance, and sustainability.

Umoren also advocated for a broader understanding of the sector, emphasizing that tourism extends well beyond hotels and travel agencies to encompass sports, culture, and other creative industries.

He urged COPITOUR to explore emerging opportunities under the “Sports as Business” concept and expand its scope across the entire tourism value chain.

Representing the ECOWAS Commission, Principal Programme Officer for Industrial and Technology Development Ms. Anna Wadda reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening Regional Business Associations as strategic partners in regional integration.

She emphasized that tourism remains a vital instrument for promoting peace, cultural understanding, employment, investment, and economic prosperity across West Africa.

The Commission also highlighted the intrinsic links between tourism and sectors such as transport, hospitality, culture, creative industries, agriculture, trade, investment, and technology.

It called on COPITOUR to position itself as an effective private-sector partner in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS Regional Tourism Policy, ECOTOUR 2019-2029.

COPITOUR President Mr. Mamadou Racine SY described tourism as the “oil of Africa,” citing its vast potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen regional cooperation.

He called for stronger public-private partnerships, harmonized tourism policies, and a unified regional marketing strategy to position West Africa as a competitive tourism destination.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Awakan, stressed the importance of a balanced public-private partnership to unlock the region’s tourism potential.

He added that sustained collaboration is essential for creating employment opportunities for young people and supporting the industry’s long-term growth.

Dr. Badaki Aliyu, National President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), commended ECOWAS, COPITOUR, the EU, and GIZ for their support in advancing regional tourism development.

Aliyu noted that stronger collaboration with regional business associations would help build institutions capable of contributing to regional integration through private-sector participation.

Representing the European Union, Mr. Desmond Umukoro reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to supporting regional integration through robust private-sector institutions.

He stated that successful regional organizations require the participation of governments and organized private-sector groups, particularly in trade, investment, and innovation.

The EU also pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening regional value chains, capacity building, training, and sustainable economic development across West Africa.

Similarly, GIZ Representative Kelechi Okoro stressed the importance of private-sector participation in implementing tourism programs, noting that the sector’s full potential cannot be achieved by the public sector alone.

The adoption of this framework is expected to strengthen COPITOUR’s participation in ECOWAS policy discussions, improve access to regional development programs, and give tourism business associations a stronger voice in shaping policies across the sub-region.

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