ECOWAS launches tourism capacity-building program in Gambia

GAMBIA – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a capacity-building program in Banjul, The Gambia, on March 17, 2025, to boost tourism across its 12 Member States by improving standards, attracting investment, and fostering regional cooperation for economic growth and integration.

The program is being implemented with the approval of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, to enhance tourism capacity across all ECOWAS Member States.

Opening the session on behalf of Dr. Touray, ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, Dr. Tony Elumelu, emphasized the need for a harmonized regional tourism strategy.

“Tourism is central to our integration agenda. This program aims to enhance investment, job creation, and the sector’s overall economic impact,” he stated.

The initiative is being led by Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandje Touré-Litsé, reinforcing ECOWAS’ focus on regional cooperation and policy alignment.

Dr. Elumelu highlighted ECOTOR 1929, a policy framework to boost visitor numbers, facilitate mobility, and standardize services across the region.

“A five-star hotel in Togo, Nigeria, or The Gambia should meet the same standards. Standardization builds trust and attracts investment,” he noted.

Tourism Consultant, Sheikh Tijang Nyang, stressed the need for full alignment with ECOWAS’ tourism policies.

“For tourism to thrive, stakeholders must understand and implement regional strategies. This program is a crucial step toward that goal,” he stated.

Echoing this, Tourism Experts Dr. Adam Abar and Dr. Momodou Bar underscored execution over policy formulation.

“Policies alone do not drive change—implementation does. This program is about moving from strategy to action,” they remarked.

Participants will engage in technical sessions, policy discussions, and workshops covering hotel classification, regulatory frameworks, and best practices in tourism management.

The program also highlights youth and women’s employment, aligning with ECOWAS’ inclusive economic development goals.

A final assessment and strategy session will consolidate insights, define action points, and establish monitoring mechanisms for tourism policy implementation at national and regional levels.

As the program unfolds, ECOWAS will continue engaging stakeholders, ensuring that insights translate into measurable outcomes.

By the program’s conclusion, participants will have a clear roadmap for advancing tourism in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050.

This initiative underscores ECOWAS’ commitment to economic integration through tourism, positioning it as a key pillar for sustainable growth, job creation, and regional cooperation

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