Gifty Fianu, General Secretary of Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association

Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) officials to address ongoing trade challenges that hinder regional commerce.

Speaking at the 2025 West African Automotive Show in Nigeria, Lagos, the association’s General Secretary, Gifty Fianu, emphasised the need for effective implementation of regional agreements.

The show aims at connecting manufacturers, suppliers and investors to improve intra-African trade.

“This platform helped us get investors and suppliers,” Fianu said.

“This year’s event is unique, it’s making business easier. Ghanaian traders don’t have large capital, so we need partners, and this show presents a real opportunity.”

Despite such benefits, Fianu expressed concern over trade barriers within ECOWAS.

“Nigerians have refused to accept the ECOWAS travel certificate, and that is very frustrating,” she said, noting further complications when importing goods under the AfCFTA framework.

“The AfCFTA program is not working as expected. We urge our leaders to follow the ECOWAS treaty and improve implementation,” she said.

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association represents one of West Africa’s largest auto parts markets and plays a crucial role in promoting intra-African trade.

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