Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is funding WACTAF for the implementation of a high-impact project : « Strengthening women and youth participation in cross border trade in West Africa », with the institutional support of the ECOWAS Commission. This impactful initiative seeks to sustainably reduce or eliminate barriers to the free movement of agricultural products, in order to boost intra-regional trade, particularly for women and youth across West Africa.
Why This Project Matters
Cross-border trade is a lifeline for many impoverished and vulnerable households in West Africa, particularly women and youth who constitute over 70% of informal traders. Despite its importance, multiple challenges limit their full participation and profitability, including:
- Complex tariff and non-tariff barriers that increase costs and delay trade
- Harassment and stigmatization at border crossings
- Limited access to trade knowledge, formalization pathways, and digital tools
- Inequities in access to resources and education, especially for women and young traders
These obstacles contribute to elevated food prices and constrain the growth of an inclusive, regional marketplace.
Our Strategic Response
The project « Strengthening women and youth participation in cross border trade in West Africa », designed for implementation over 24 months starting in July 2024, focuses on enhancing access and usage of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme by women and youth actors through a comprehensive set of interventions :
Digitalization of Free-Trade Operations
We are developing a state-of-the-art digital platform (available via web and mobile) to monitor and report non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in real time. This platform will empower traders—especially women and youth—to instantly report abuses such as illegal fees or harassment and access verified trade information. The transition from WhatsApp groups to a specialized app improves data collection, transparency, and responsiveness, benefiting over 10,000 active users.
Ensure the rehabilitation and operation of some Trade Information and Border Assistance Desks (TIBADs)
Four TIBADs, strategically located at key border posts, will be rehabilitated. These TIBADs serve as vital hubs where women and youth can receive support on customs procedures, document preparation, and conflict resolution, thereby helping reduce delays and illegal payments by up to 40%. The TIBADs also promote capacity building through continuous training provided to border officials and trade actors
Four strategically located TIBADs at key border crossings will provide direct, hands-on assistance to cross-border traders. These desks serve as vital hubs where women and youth can receive support on customs procedures, document preparation, and conflict resolution, helping reduce delays and illegal payments by up to 40%. The TIBADs also facilitate capacity building through ongoing training of border officials and trade agents.
Knowledge Sharing and Stakeholder Engagement
Through a series of workshops, roadshows, and advocacy events, WACTAF is strengthening collaboration among traders, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders. This participatory approach ensures that experiences, best practices, and regulatory updates are widely disseminated, reinforcing regional integration and inclusive trade policies.
Institutional Strengthening of WACTAF
To guarantee the sustainability and scalability of these interventions, WACTAF’s Permanent Secretariat will receive enhanced organizational and technical capacity support. This includes the digitization of monitoring and evaluation systems and improved management tools to better serve the thousands of women and youth operating in the cross-border trade ecosystem.
Targeted Impact and Value Creation
The project aims to support 15,000 direct beneficiaries, with a focus on achieving 45% women and 35% youth participation. Key anticipated outcomes include:
- A 50% reduction in illegal payments and transport costs on cross-border trade routes
- A 30% increase in the number of women and youth participating in cross-border trade
- Improved compliance with trade regulations thanks to capacity building and real-time guidance
- Formalization of informal trade channels, leading to increased volumes and values of agricultural products traded, especially in high-potential crops such as tomatoes, pineapples, avocados, corn, and peppers
- Creation of at least 1,000 new jobs for youth and women, fostering entrepreneurship and economic resilience
Sustainability and Partnerships
Building on established collaborations with ECOWAS, CILSS, and other regional partners, this project will leverage existing initiatives and integrate with broader AGRA programs. The digital platform and TIBADs are designed for financial and operational sustainability through trader fees and government partnerships.
Government agencies remain crucial partners in enforcing regulations, removing bottlenecks, and ensuring the smooth operation of border services, while private sector engagement drives innovation and market access.
Join Us on This Journey
WACTAF invites all stakeholders—women and youth traders, policy makers, development partners, and private sector actors—to join this initiative and be part of unlocking West Africa’s agricultural trade potential. Together, we can build a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient regional economy that uplifts communities and empowers future generations.
For more information, updates, and how to get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly via email at « administration.sp@aocta-wacta.net » administration.sp@aocta-wacta.net.
