Online Business Matchmaking Platform Launches In West Africa

 

Harboursandport.com: Lagos - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) launch an online tool for West African businesses to connect with buyers and suppliers, and to promote their products and services within the region.

Participants guided on how to create compelling profiles on the Business matchmaking platform

The business matchmaking platform of the West African Competitiveness Observatory – launched by the ECOWAS Commission and ITC, with support from the European Union – tackles a key challenge to regional trade: lack of robust business networks. As highlighted in an ITC business survey, firms struggle with regional integration because suppliers and producers are frequently unaware of each other.

Participants received practical tips on product photography to capture the details and optimize profiles on the Business matchmaking platform.

With over 200 businesses already on the matchmaking platform, the goal is to connect 1,000 companies before the end of 2024. The platform is free of charge and inclusive of businesses of all sizes and sectors, including services providers. The platform is available in English, French and Portuguese, and messages in the chat are automatically translated between the three languages to assist in cross-country networking.

Equipping businesses to connect

The launch of the tool was paired with a series of webinars designed to introduce businesses to the platform, so they can make the most of it. The webinar programme, conducted in English, French and Portuguese, included a step-by-step demonstration of how to create a profile and examples on how to use generative AI-based software for effective online branding.  In partnership with the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organizations Network, firms holding an export certificate can be verified by proving additional information, ensuring credibility and trust among businesses on the platform.

‘The business matchmaking platform will provide businesses with improved access to regional markets,’ said Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner, Economic Affairs and Agriculture, ECOWAS Commission. ‘By supporting businesses to connect and collaborate, we are fostering economic growth and creating employment opportunities across West Africa.’

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: “We want to see businesses of all sizes – especially small businesses – get on this platform to unlock business opportunities in the region. By fostering these connections, we can drive regional integration and sustainable economic development.”

Businesses can sign up today to connect with potential partners and explore new business opportunities: https://b2b.wacomp-observatory.org/

The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

About the West African Competitiveness Observatory

The West African Competitiveness Observatory is as a monitoring tool for trade competitiveness of West African countries and the region. Its primary function is to assist policymakers in crafting policies that promote trade competitiveness and facilitate the development of regional value chains. The Observatory also supports firms across West Africa, especially small businesses, to participate in regional trade and value chain integration.