African e-commerce, often hindered by customs and logistical obstacles, may have found its accelerator in West Africa. This Monday, December 1, 2025, the Ivorian economic capital hosted the official launch of the Tradepost project, coupled with a regional workshop on the E-commerce Hub. This initiative, driven by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization, aims to transform post offices into genuine global trade platforms for ECOWAS SMEs.
The Tradepost project is much more than a simple modernization of postal services; it is a strategic commitment to regional economic integration and digital inclusion. Representing Minister Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, the Chief of Staff, Mr. Assoua Raymond, emphasized the direct impact expected: “Tradepost will accelerate customs procedures through dematerialization, reduce logistics costs, and connect Ivorian SMEs to African and international markets.”
The Post Office, a Pillar of Future Logistics
At the heart of this transformation is the Ivorian postal operator. Mr. Issac Gnamba Yao, Director-General of La Poste de Côte d’Ivoire, insisted on the regional and social dimension of the project: “This launch is not just an Ivorian project; it is a regional project that foreshadows cross-border electronic commerce in West Africa.” He highlighted a tangible impact on communities: “Our artisans, our farmers, and our young creators will be able to sell directly to the whole world from their nearest post office.”
This vision positions postal networks, often the most pervasive on the continent, as the backbone of a new, reliable, and accessible e-commerce logistics chain.
An “E-commerce Hub” for ECOWAS Integration
The regional workshop, organized in partnership with the Conference of Posts of West African States (CPEAO), marks a decisive stage. For Mr. Sanfo Salam, representing CPEAO, Tradepost is a powerful lever to “strengthen economic and commercial integration within the ECOWAS area.”
Mr. Houssem Charbi, representing the UPU Director-General, reinforced the strategic scope of the initiative, describing it as “a gateway that connects Ivorian small and medium-sized enterprises to the regional and global market in a simple, secure, and affordable manner.” He commended Côte d’Ivoire for placing itself “at the forefront of postal innovation in Africa.”
The Tradepost project and the regional E-commerce Hub aim to create a modern, reliable, and accessible logistics chain, contributing to:
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Fostering digital and commercial inclusion for SMEs.
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Strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness.
Over three days, representatives from the 14 ECOWAS member countries, technical and financial partners, and private sector actors will work to share best practices to accelerate the establishment of this genuine cross-border trade facilitation center. The success of this initiative could well redefine how online commerce develops and flows in West Africa.
