The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin (CCI Benin), in partnership with the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) Regional Program and the ECOWAS Commission, launched on February 19, 2025, an ambitious project aimed at facilitating cross-border trade of agricultural products between Benin and Nigeria. Funded by the BMZ’s special initiative “Agri-Food Systems Transformation”, this project seeks to reduce trade barriers, strengthen the capacities of stakeholders, and harmonize procedures to enhance agricultural exchanges.
Essential Support for Cross-Border Trade Stakeholders
This initiative targets traders, transporters, intermediaries, and MSMEs engaged in agricultural trade between the two countries. The project includes:
- Training and support to improve business management and competitiveness, with a special focus on women and youth.
- Awareness programs on regional trade regulations, aimed at simplifying transactions and reducing administrative constraints.
- The establishment of a bilateral cooperation framework between Benin and Nigeria, particularly through a partnership between CCI Benin and NACCIMA (Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture), in collaboration with FEWACCI (Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry).
Removing Barriers to Agricultural Trade
During the project launch, Christiane CODJO TOSSOU, Vice President of CCI Benin in charge of economic regions, highlighted the challenges faced by cross-border traders, particularly customs hassles, border harassment, and excessive control costs. These issues disproportionately affect women traders, who play a crucial role in the agricultural trade sector. This project aims to streamline procedures and improve the business environment, fostering smoother and more competitive trade.
A Project Aligned with ECOWAS’ Regional Strategy
The initiative is part of a broader program led by ECOWAS and GIZ, which aims to boost intra-regional agricultural trade in West Africa. According to Evince YEGBEMEY, GIZ/ECOWAS representative, agricultural trade within the region is vastly underestimated, with official figures recording only 10-12% of intra-regional commerce, while actual trade flows exceed 50%.
This program is built on three strategic pillars:
- Harmonizing regional trade policies to create a more coherent regulatory framework.
- Facilitating trade at borders and along commercial corridors, reducing delays and administrative costs.
- Supporting agricultural SMEs and informal traders, improving their access to regional markets.
Strengthened Cooperation for a More Integrated Market
Eusache POMALEGNI, Permanent Secretary of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, welcomed this initiative as part of the regional strategy to develop agricultural trade. He emphasized the need to streamline exchanges, enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, and foster economic integration between Benin and Nigeria.
With this initiative, CCI Benin and its partners aim to lower trade barriers, boost the competitiveness of local actors, and create a conducive environment for a more structured and equitable cross-border trade. If successful, this project could serve as a model for other West African countries, contributing to greater economic integration in the region.
