UEMOA local consumption and regional trade initiatives

The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) has launched the 7th edition of its ‘October, Month of Local Consumption’ initiative. The campaign is designed to bolster regional integration, strengthen local value chains, and increase the processing of raw materials to reduce dependence on external markets.

Professor Filiga Michel Sawadogo of the UEMOA Commission noted that intra-union trade among the eight member states averaged only 13.1% of total merchandise trade between 2022 and 2024. The initiative aims to build economic sovereignty to help the region absorb external shocks and prepare local businesses for competition within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In Togo, the campaign was officially launched in Lomé by the Minister of Economy and Strategic Vigilance, Babanam Patoki. The month-long initiative includes exhibitions and training workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises in the service, artisanal, and agri-food sectors. Complementing these efforts, Togo also commenced a shea butter marketing campaign in Kara, establishing a minimum purchase price and a moratorium to ensure local processors receive priority access to raw nut production before exports occur.