ICRITR Participates in ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass on Regional Trade and Export Development

The International Centre for Regional Integration and Trade Research (ICRITR), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was represented by its Director, Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, at the ECOFEPA Executive Masterclass Programme held at the ECOWAS Parliament International Conference Centre, Area 10, Abuja.

The programme, themed “Advancing Women’s Participation in Global Trade and Export Opportunities in the ECOWAS Region,” brought together policymakers, trade experts, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and regional stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening export development and economic inclusion across West Africa.

Prof. Ngozi Egbuna, Director of ICRITR and Chairperson of the World Trade Organization Nigeria, delivered the keynote address at the event and further projected the vision of ICRITR as a leading centre for trade research, regional integration, policy innovation, and export capacity development.

The event featured notable personalities including Senator Chantal Moussokoura Fanny, President of ECOFEPA; Laurent Loukou, Chief Executive Officer of Air Cote Ivoire; Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Director General of the Bank of Industry Nigeria; Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament; Jeremiah Agala, Executive Director of Inspired to Lead Initiatives; Hon. Zainab Gimba, 1st President of ECOFEPA; Dr. Oniyie Okpa, Founder of Women in Trade, Agribusiness and Export (WATEX); Alamin Ishaq, Analyst, Digital Banking and Innovation at Afreximbank; Ellah Omezi, Chief Executive Officer of Pleroma Farms and Agribusiness Limited; representatives of NEXIM Bank; and Hon. Rosa Rocha Lopez, 2nd Vice President of ECOFEPA.

Technical sessions focused on export readiness, packaging and standards compliance, market entry strategies, e-commerce and digital trade, trade financing, and unlocking global market opportunities for women-led businesses across the ECOWAS region.