Abuja: The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, in collaboration with the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and with technical support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), convened a pivotal one-day Consultative Meeting with the Confederation of Private Sector Organisations of Tourism in ECOWAS (COPITOUR).
According to African Press Organization, the meeting took place on 29 July 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, coinciding with the 9th Nigeria Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition (NTIFE 2026). It gathered Presidents of National Tourism Associations from Member States, Directors General of Tourism Development Agencies, and key stakeholders from across West Africa, including delegates from Ghana, Guinea, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Benin, C´te d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Nigeria.
During the meeting's opening, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Ms. Anna Wadda, emphasized the Commission's commitment to strengthening Regional Business Associations (RBAs) as strategic partners in regional integration. He highlighted tourism's role in promoting peace, cultural understanding, employment, investment, and economic prosperity in West Africa.
The Directorate of Private Sector and Industry, ECOWAS Commission, presented the Framework for the Recognition of Regional Business Associations, establishing minimum standards for recognition and accreditation of RBAs. Built on seven pillars, this framework offers a performance-based accreditation mechanism. COPITOUR delegates adopted the Framework, recognizing it as a strategic tool for enhancing governance, transparency, accountability, and performance of RBAs.
Chief John Umoren, representing the ECOWAS Commission's Private Sector and Industry Directorate and Business and Enterprise Promotion Division, highlighted tourism's extensive value chain and economic opportunities. He urged COPITOUR to recognize Sports Tourism and other creative sectors as potential business opportunities, advocating for the concept of Sports as Business.
The meeting concluded successfully, with delegates optimistic that it marked the beginning of a stronger ECOWAS-COPITOUR collaboration and partnership.