Post: Copitour Meeting Focuses on ECOWAS Framework for Regional Business Associations

Abuja: The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, collaborated with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and received technical support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to hold a one-day Consultative Meeting with the Confederation of Private Sector Organisations of Tourism in ECOWAS (COPITOUR).According to African Press Organization, the meeting convened on July 29, 2026, in Abuja, Nigeria, alongside the 9th Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE 2026), which occurred from July 30-31, 2026. This gathering brought together Presidents of National Tourism Associations from Member States, Directors General of Tourism Development Agencies, and significant stakeholders from across West Africa, including COPITOUR delegates from Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Nigeria.Dr. Kalilou Sylla, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the EC OWAS Commission, represented by Ms. Anna Wadda, Principal Programme Officer, Industrial and Technology Development, opened the meeting. He reiterated the ECOWAS Commission's dedication to strengthening Regional Business Associations (RBAs) as strategic partners in regional integration, noting tourism's role in fostering peace, cultural understanding, employment, investment, and economic prosperity in West Africa.The Directorate of Private Sector and Industry presented the Framework for the Recognition of Regional Business Associations to COPITOUR. This Framework establishes minimum standards for recognizing and accrediting RBAs in the region, built on seven pillars offering a performance-based accreditation mechanism. COPITOUR delegates unanimously adopted the Framework, highlighting its strategic importance in enhancing governance, transparency, accountability, and performance of RBAs.Chief John Umoren, representing the ECOWAS Commission Private Sector and Industry directorate and Business and Enterprise Promotion Division where the Tourism Unit operates, emphasized tourism's extensive value chain and its potential for economic development. He advocated for the recognition of Sports Tourism and other creative sectors as business opportunities, urging COPITOUR to explore "Sports as Business" as a promising avenue for growth.The meeting concluded successfully, with delegates optimistic that this Consultative Meeting will lay the groundwork for enhanced collaboration and partnership between ECOWAS and COPITOUR.