Canada Champions Advancement of Women Traders in West Africa with New Initiative Covering Six Countries

The project’s strategy, to be implemented by CECI and TMA through 2030, includes use of digital tools, financial literacy programmes, and advocacy for gender-responsive trade policies. Additionally, it intends to institutionalise impactful innovations within regional economic plans and strategies, ultimately contributing to inclusive, environmentally sustainable growth. These efforts will address identified economic and social disparities by promoting sustainable trade practices that uplift marginalised groups, with a particular focus on women. Presently, women continue to earn lower incomes, run smaller-scale businesses compared to their male counterparts, face harassment, gender-based violence (GBV), and systemic barriers at border crossings. These issues are exacerbated by women’s additional burdens of productive and reproductive roles. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of women traders, enhance their access to markets, and promote sustainable business practices.

Making Trade Work for Women in West Africa will directly impact an estimated 80,000 beneficiaries, 70% being women traders. It will also indirectly benefit around 20,000 additional traders and sensitise more than 50,000 individuals through various campaigns. Expected outcomes are:

1. Number of women traders using sustainable practices increased by 50%.
2. Income levels of participating women traders enhanced by 40%.
3. Broad dissemination of knowledge and good practices on women, trade, environmental sustainability, and climate change across Africa and Canada.

This partnership comes at a strategic point in time when Canada has just released its new foreign policy - Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security - that represents a strengthening of Canada’s engagement with Africa. Canada is committing to promoting local benefits in Africa alongside advancing its own trade and investment priorities, and to work with African partners across strategic areas aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, including through sustainable economic growth.

About Global Affairs Canada (GAC)

GAC defines, shapes and advances Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. It manages diplomatic relations, promote international trade and provide consular support. GAC leads international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. It also contributes to national security and the development of international law.

About CECI

CECI (Centre d'étude et de coopération internationale) is an international organization with a presence in 17 countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas working to support communities in developing sustainable systems. CECI works to create an egalitarian and inclusive world without poverty. CECI aspires to a world where women, girls and their communities achieve shared and sustainable prosperity and wellbeing. Together with our partners, we co-create and support innovative solutions that strengthen the power and leadership of women, girls and vulnerable communities. These solutions contribute to developing inclusive, fair and effective economic and governance systems, climate change resilience and peacebuilding. Gender equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. For more information, please visit www.ceci.org

About TradeMark Africa (TMA)

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is a leading African Aid-for-Trade organisation, founded in 2010 with the mission to grow intra-African trade and increase Africa’s share in global trade, while helping make trade more pro-poor and environmentally sustainable. TMA focuses on reducing the cost and time of trading across borders through enhanced trade policy, better trade infrastructure, standards that work for businesses, greater use of digital innovations and a focus on creating trade access for vulnerable groups, has contributed to lower cargo transit times, improved border efficiency, and reduced trade barriers. The organization has expanded in recent years to cover 14 countries across East and the Horn of Africa, to Southern and West Africa. TMA operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by 12 institutional and philanthropic development partners. TMA works closely with regional and continental organizations, national Governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations to deliver results that drive shared prosperity and reduce poverty. For more information, please visit www.trademarkafrica.com

For more information, please contact:

Madeleine TSIMI,

Regional Coordinator of MTW

Email : madeleine.tsimi@ceci.ca

Cell :002250777633350