Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has raised concerns over the impact of non-tariff barriers on trade within West Africa, describing them as the biggest challenge slowing down regional commerce.
She made the comments at the 5th Joint Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry in Accra, where leaders gathered to discuss ways of improving economic cooperation and boosting trade across the sub-region.
According to her, these barriers continue to raise the cost of doing business across borders, adding an estimated 15 to 20 percent to trade expenses in West Africa despite ongoing integration efforts.
“Non-tariff barriers remain the most stubborn obstacle in all of this, adding an estimated 15 to 20 percent to the cost of cross-border trading in West Africa,” she stated.
Ms Ofosu-Adjare drew a clear distinction between tariff and non-tariff barriers, explaining that tariffs are easier for businesses to understand and plan for.
“I keep saying I am not afraid of tariff barriers. If it is five percent, you can factor it into your cost of production,” she said.
She stressed that the real difficulty comes from hidden or unclear restrictions that are harder to identify and remove, yet continue to frustrate traders operating across the region.
“But with respect to faceless non-tariff barriers, it continues to create a challenge for us to resolve it,” she added.
The minister further explained that the impact of these barriers extends beyond traders. She noted that businesses along the supply chain absorb additional costs, which are eventually transferred to consumers through higher prices.
“The premium is paid by our traders and absorbed by businesses and passed on to consumers,” she stressed.
Her remarks come as ECOWAS member states intensify efforts to strengthen regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework and deepen economic integration across West Africa.
The Accra meeting brought together ministers of trade and industry from across the region to explore solutions to trade bottlenecks, promote industrial growth and enhance cooperation among member states.
