Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan warns ECOWAS nations that weak regional collaboration could undermine AfCFTA ambitions and intra-community trade
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has cautioned that West Africa’s growing reliance on external partnerships is weakening the region’s efforts to achieve meaningful economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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Speaking in Abuja at the ECOWAS First Extraordinary Session and 2026 Parliamentary Seminar, Akpoti-Uduaghan called on regional leaders to rebuild trust, deepen cooperation, and invest in homegrown innovation as a foundation for expanding intra-community trade.
The seminar brought together lawmakers, policy experts, and stakeholders from across West Africa under the theme: “Deepening Regional Integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Opportunities and Challenges for Expanding Intra-Community Trade within the ECOWAS Region.”
The senator argued that integration must extend beyond political statements and be rooted in joint research, industrial collaboration, market linkages, and shared product development.
“In areas of industrial integration, research, market linkages and product development, it will enhance and expand trade and commerce within the West African region,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern that ECOWAS countries increasingly prioritise international partnerships over regional cooperation.
She cited a collaboration between Ghana and Germany on vaccine development, asking why similar initiatives were not being pursued within ECOWAS.
“It is okay to promote innovations with America, the United Kingdom, or France. But primarily, as a region, we should not neglect ourselves,” she said.
The senator also advocated for open research platforms, stronger inter-university partnerships, and accessible innovation hubs across the region.
She urged parliamentarians to encourage ministries to share research outputs and strengthen trust among ECOWAS member states.
Highlighting emerging economic opportunities, Akpoti-Uduaghan pointed to the blue economy as a potential driver for regional trade growth.
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“Wouldn’t it be beneficial for West African countries and companies to jointly develop and maximise these opportunities? This could significantly boost trade volumes for ECOWAS states,” she said.
