{"id":28,"date":"2026-01-08T20:09:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T20:09:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/?page_id=28"},"modified":"2026-02-05T01:39:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T01:39:31","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"28\" class=\"elementor elementor-28\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c0f29ae e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c0f29ae\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74e653e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"74e653e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf9b6a1 elementor-align-left elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"bf9b6a1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"#\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Regional Integration<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a10c94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6a10c94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Empowering West African SMEs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c566de2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c566de2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Role of ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-523c23f elementor-blockquote--align-left elementor-blockquote--skin-border elementor-widget elementor-widget-blockquote\" data-id=\"523c23f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"blockquote.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"elementor-blockquote\">\n\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-blockquote__content\">\n\t\t\t\tExploring the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition's inpact on SME growth and regional integration in West Africa.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-afd44bf uael-button-halign-left uael-button-stack-none elementor-widget elementor-widget-uael-buttons\" data-id=\"afd44bf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"uael-buttons.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-dual-button-outer-wrap\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-dual-button-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-button-wrapper uael-dual-button elementor-widget-button elementor-repeater-item-a19ac59 uael-dual-button-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-sm elementor-button-link elementor-animation-pulse-shrink\" href=\"#\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper uael-buttons-icon-\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-align-icon- elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text elementor-inline-editing\" data-elementor-setting-key=\"buttons.0.text\" data-elementor-inline-editing-toolbar=\"none\">Contact Us<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"uael-button-wrapper uael-dual-button elementor-widget-button elementor-repeater-item-f483369 uael-dual-button-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button-link elementor-button elementor-size-sm elementor-button-link elementor-animation-pulse-shrink\" href=\"#\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper uael-buttons-icon- elementor-button-content-wrapper uael-buttons-icon-\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-align-icon- elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text elementor-inline-editing\" data-elementor-setting-key=\"buttons.1.text\" data-elementor-inline-editing-toolbar=\"none\">Read our Charter<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81eaf73 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"81eaf73\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ce8df3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4ce8df3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Briefing Room<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5045d3c elementor-grid-3 elementor-grid-tablet-2 elementor-grid-mobile-1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-dynamic-filterable-gallery\" data-id=\"5045d3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;eael_fg_columns&quot;:&quot;3&quot;,&quot;eael_fg_columns_tablet&quot;:&quot;2&quot;,&quot;eael_fg_columns_mobile&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"eael-dynamic-filterable-gallery.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"eael-filter-gallery-wrapper-5045d3c\" class=\"eael-filter-gallery-wrapper eael-filter-position-top\"><div class=\"eael-filter-gallery-container eael-post-appender eael-post-appender-5045d3c grid eael-hoverer 3\" data-settings=\"{&quot;has_filter&quot;:false,&quot;item_style&quot;:&quot;eael-hoverer&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:500,&quot;layout_mode&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;}\"><div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item blog esbc-reaffirms-support-for-msmes-and-regional-integration-during-meeting-in-praia\">\n    <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item-inner\" data-itemid=\"268\">\n        <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-thumbnail\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2548-scaled-1.jpg\" alt=\"\">\n                            <div class=\"caption eael-zoom-in\">\n                                                                        <div class=\"item-content\">\n                                <h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/esbc-reaffirms-support-for-msmes-and-regional-integration-during-meeting-in-praia\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">ESBC reaffirms support for MSMEs and regional integration during meeting in Praia<\/a><\/h2>                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"buttons\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2548-scaled-1.jpg\" class=\"eael-magnific-link\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-search-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M304 192v32c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-56v56c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-32c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-56h-56c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-32c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h56v-56c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h32c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v56h56c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12zm201 284.7L476.7 505c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L343 405.3c-4.5-4.5-7-10.6-7-17V372c-35.3 27.6-79.7 44-128 44C93.1 416 0 322.9 0 208S93.1 0 208 0s208 93.1 208 208c0 48.3-16.4 92.7-44 128h16.3c6.4 0 12.5 2.5 17 7l99.7 99.7c9.3 9.4 9.3 24.6 0 34zM344 208c0-75.2-60.8-136-136-136S72 132.8 72 208s60.8 136 136 136 136-60.8 136-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/esbc-reaffirms-support-for-msmes-and-regional-integration-during-meeting-in-praia\/\"rel=\"nofollow\"target=\"_blank\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-link\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M326.612 185.391c59.747 59.809 58.927 155.698.36 214.59-.11.12-.24.25-.36.37l-67.2 67.2c-59.27 59.27-155.699 59.262-214.96 0-59.27-59.26-59.27-155.7 0-214.96l37.106-37.106c9.84-9.84 26.786-3.3 27.294 10.606.648 17.722 3.826 35.527 9.69 52.721 1.986 5.822.567 12.262-3.783 16.612l-13.087 13.087c-28.026 28.026-28.905 73.66-1.155 101.96 28.024 28.579 74.086 28.749 102.325.51l67.2-67.19c28.191-28.191 28.073-73.757 0-101.83-3.701-3.694-7.429-6.564-10.341-8.569a16.037 16.037 0 0 1-6.947-12.606c-.396-10.567 3.348-21.456 11.698-29.806l21.054-21.055c5.521-5.521 14.182-6.199 20.584-1.731a152.482 152.482 0 0 1 20.522 17.197zM467.547 44.449c-59.261-59.262-155.69-59.27-214.96 0l-67.2 67.2c-.12.12-.25.25-.36.37-58.566 58.892-59.387 154.781.36 214.59a152.454 152.454 0 0 0 20.521 17.196c6.402 4.468 15.064 3.789 20.584-1.731l21.054-21.055c8.35-8.35 12.094-19.239 11.698-29.806a16.037 16.037 0 0 0-6.947-12.606c-2.912-2.005-6.64-4.875-10.341-8.569-28.073-28.073-28.191-73.639 0-101.83l67.2-67.19c28.239-28.239 74.3-28.069 102.325.51 27.75 28.3 26.872 73.934-1.155 101.96l-13.087 13.087c-4.35 4.35-5.769 10.79-3.783 16.612 5.864 17.194 9.042 34.999 9.69 52.721.509 13.906 17.454 20.446 27.294 10.606l37.106-37.106c59.271-59.259 59.271-155.699.001-214.959z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item blog smes-west-africa-2024-ecowas-small-business-coalition\">\n    <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item-inner\" data-itemid=\"146\">\n        <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-thumbnail\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/photo_1732206403.jpg.jpeg\" alt=\"\">\n                            <div class=\"caption eael-zoom-in\">\n                                                                        <div class=\"item-content\">\n                                <h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/smes-west-africa-2024-ecowas-small-business-coalition\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">SME\u2019s West Africa 2024 Ecowas Small Business Coalition<\/a><\/h2>                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"buttons\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/photo_1732206403.jpg.jpeg\" class=\"eael-magnific-link\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-search-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M304 192v32c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-56v56c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-32c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-56h-56c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-32c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h56v-56c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h32c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v56h56c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12zm201 284.7L476.7 505c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L343 405.3c-4.5-4.5-7-10.6-7-17V372c-35.3 27.6-79.7 44-128 44C93.1 416 0 322.9 0 208S93.1 0 208 0s208 93.1 208 208c0 48.3-16.4 92.7-44 128h16.3c6.4 0 12.5 2.5 17 7l99.7 99.7c9.3 9.4 9.3 24.6 0 34zM344 208c0-75.2-60.8-136-136-136S72 132.8 72 208s60.8 136 136 136 136-60.8 136-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/smes-west-africa-2024-ecowas-small-business-coalition\/\"rel=\"nofollow\"target=\"_blank\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-link\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M326.612 185.391c59.747 59.809 58.927 155.698.36 214.59-.11.12-.24.25-.36.37l-67.2 67.2c-59.27 59.27-155.699 59.262-214.96 0-59.27-59.26-59.27-155.7 0-214.96l37.106-37.106c9.84-9.84 26.786-3.3 27.294 10.606.648 17.722 3.826 35.527 9.69 52.721 1.986 5.822.567 12.262-3.783 16.612l-13.087 13.087c-28.026 28.026-28.905 73.66-1.155 101.96 28.024 28.579 74.086 28.749 102.325.51l67.2-67.19c28.191-28.191 28.073-73.757 0-101.83-3.701-3.694-7.429-6.564-10.341-8.569a16.037 16.037 0 0 1-6.947-12.606c-.396-10.567 3.348-21.456 11.698-29.806l21.054-21.055c5.521-5.521 14.182-6.199 20.584-1.731a152.482 152.482 0 0 1 20.522 17.197zM467.547 44.449c-59.261-59.262-155.69-59.27-214.96 0l-67.2 67.2c-.12.12-.25.25-.36.37-58.566 58.892-59.387 154.781.36 214.59a152.454 152.454 0 0 0 20.521 17.196c6.402 4.468 15.064 3.789 20.584-1.731l21.054-21.055c8.35-8.35 12.094-19.239 11.698-29.806a16.037 16.037 0 0 0-6.947-12.606c-2.912-2.005-6.64-4.875-10.341-8.569-28.073-28.073-28.191-73.639 0-101.83l67.2-67.19c28.239-28.239 74.3-28.069 102.325.51 27.75 28.3 26.872 73.934-1.155 101.96l-13.087 13.087c-4.35 4.35-5.769 10.79-3.783 16.612 5.864 17.194 9.042 34.999 9.69 52.721.509 13.906 17.454 20.446 27.294 10.606l37.106-37.106c59.271-59.259 59.271-155.699.001-214.959z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item economy ecowas-trains-west-african-msmes-to-take-advantage-of-afcfta-and-etls-for-regional-economic-development\">\n    <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item-inner\" data-itemid=\"141\">\n        <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-thumbnail\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2067-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\">\n                            <div class=\"caption eael-zoom-in\">\n                                                                        <div class=\"item-content\">\n                                <h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/ecowas-trains-west-african-msmes-to-take-advantage-of-afcfta-and-etls-for-regional-economic-development\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">ECOWAS trains West African MSMEs to take advantage of AfCFTA and ETLS for regional economic development<\/a><\/h2>                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"buttons\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_2067-1.jpeg\" class=\"eael-magnific-link\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-search-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M304 192v32c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-56v56c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-32c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-56h-56c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-32c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h56v-56c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h32c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v56h56c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12zm201 284.7L476.7 505c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L343 405.3c-4.5-4.5-7-10.6-7-17V372c-35.3 27.6-79.7 44-128 44C93.1 416 0 322.9 0 208S93.1 0 208 0s208 93.1 208 208c0 48.3-16.4 92.7-44 128h16.3c6.4 0 12.5 2.5 17 7l99.7 99.7c9.3 9.4 9.3 24.6 0 34zM344 208c0-75.2-60.8-136-136-136S72 132.8 72 208s60.8 136 136 136 136-60.8 136-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/ecowas-trains-west-african-msmes-to-take-advantage-of-afcfta-and-etls-for-regional-economic-development\/\"rel=\"nofollow\"target=\"_blank\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-link\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M326.612 185.391c59.747 59.809 58.927 155.698.36 214.59-.11.12-.24.25-.36.37l-67.2 67.2c-59.27 59.27-155.699 59.262-214.96 0-59.27-59.26-59.27-155.7 0-214.96l37.106-37.106c9.84-9.84 26.786-3.3 27.294 10.606.648 17.722 3.826 35.527 9.69 52.721 1.986 5.822.567 12.262-3.783 16.612l-13.087 13.087c-28.026 28.026-28.905 73.66-1.155 101.96 28.024 28.579 74.086 28.749 102.325.51l67.2-67.19c28.191-28.191 28.073-73.757 0-101.83-3.701-3.694-7.429-6.564-10.341-8.569a16.037 16.037 0 0 1-6.947-12.606c-.396-10.567 3.348-21.456 11.698-29.806l21.054-21.055c5.521-5.521 14.182-6.199 20.584-1.731a152.482 152.482 0 0 1 20.522 17.197zM467.547 44.449c-59.261-59.262-155.69-59.27-214.96 0l-67.2 67.2c-.12.12-.25.25-.36.37-58.566 58.892-59.387 154.781.36 214.59a152.454 152.454 0 0 0 20.521 17.196c6.402 4.468 15.064 3.789 20.584-1.731l21.054-21.055c8.35-8.35 12.094-19.239 11.698-29.806a16.037 16.037 0 0 0-6.947-12.606c-2.912-2.005-6.64-4.875-10.341-8.569-28.073-28.073-28.191-73.639 0-101.83l67.2-67.19c28.239-28.239 74.3-28.069 102.325.51 27.75 28.3 26.872 73.934-1.155 101.96l-13.087 13.087c-4.35 4.35-5.769 10.79-3.783 16.612 5.864 17.194 9.042 34.999 9.69 52.721.509 13.906 17.454 20.446 27.294 10.606l37.106-37.106c59.271-59.259 59.271-155.699.001-214.959z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item economy dr-yerima-advocates-for-financial-inclusion-and-access-to-credit-for-young-entrepreneurs-and-msmes-in-nigeria\">\n    <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-item-inner\" data-itemid=\"138\">\n        <div class=\"dynamic-gallery-thumbnail\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/525078840_17844567690541002_7039009705159052394_n.png\" alt=\"\">\n                            <div class=\"caption eael-zoom-in\">\n                                                                        <div class=\"item-content\">\n                                <h2 class=\"title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/dr-yerima-advocates-for-financial-inclusion-and-access-to-credit-for-young-entrepreneurs-and-msmes-in-nigeria\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Dr. Yerima advocates for financial inclusion and access to credit for young entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Nigeria<\/a><\/h2>                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"buttons\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/525078840_17844567690541002_7039009705159052394_n.png\" class=\"eael-magnific-link\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-search-plus\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M304 192v32c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-56v56c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12h-32c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-56h-56c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-32c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h56v-56c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h32c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v56h56c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12zm201 284.7L476.7 505c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L343 405.3c-4.5-4.5-7-10.6-7-17V372c-35.3 27.6-79.7 44-128 44C93.1 416 0 322.9 0 208S93.1 0 208 0s208 93.1 208 208c0 48.3-16.4 92.7-44 128h16.3c6.4 0 12.5 2.5 17 7l99.7 99.7c9.3 9.4 9.3 24.6 0 34zM344 208c0-75.2-60.8-136-136-136S72 132.8 72 208s60.8 136 136 136 136-60.8 136-136z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/27\/dr-yerima-advocates-for-financial-inclusion-and-access-to-credit-for-young-entrepreneurs-and-msmes-in-nigeria\/\"rel=\"nofollow\"target=\"_blank\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-link\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M326.612 185.391c59.747 59.809 58.927 155.698.36 214.59-.11.12-.24.25-.36.37l-67.2 67.2c-59.27 59.27-155.699 59.262-214.96 0-59.27-59.26-59.27-155.7 0-214.96l37.106-37.106c9.84-9.84 26.786-3.3 27.294 10.606.648 17.722 3.826 35.527 9.69 52.721 1.986 5.822.567 12.262-3.783 16.612l-13.087 13.087c-28.026 28.026-28.905 73.66-1.155 101.96 28.024 28.579 74.086 28.749 102.325.51l67.2-67.19c28.191-28.191 28.073-73.757 0-101.83-3.701-3.694-7.429-6.564-10.341-8.569a16.037 16.037 0 0 1-6.947-12.606c-.396-10.567 3.348-21.456 11.698-29.806l21.054-21.055c5.521-5.521 14.182-6.199 20.584-1.731a152.482 152.482 0 0 1 20.522 17.197zM467.547 44.449c-59.261-59.262-155.69-59.27-214.96 0l-67.2 67.2c-.12.12-.25.25-.36.37-58.566 58.892-59.387 154.781.36 214.59a152.454 152.454 0 0 0 20.521 17.196c6.402 4.468 15.064 3.789 20.584-1.731l21.054-21.055c8.35-8.35 12.094-19.239 11.698-29.806a16.037 16.037 0 0 0-6.947-12.606c-2.912-2.005-6.64-4.875-10.341-8.569-28.073-28.073-28.191-73.639 0-101.83l67.2-67.19c28.239-28.239 74.3-28.069 102.325.51 27.75 28.3 26.872 73.934-1.155 101.96l-13.087 13.087c-4.35 4.35-5.769 10.79-3.783 16.612 5.864 17.194 9.042 34.999 9.69 52.721.509 13.906 17.454 20.446 27.294 10.606l37.106-37.106c59.271-59.259 59.271-155.699.001-214.959z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/a>                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>            <div class=\"eael-load-more-button-wrap dynamic-filter-gallery-loadmore eael-infinity-scroll\" data-offset=\"-200\">\n                <button class=\"eael-load-more-button\" id=\"eael-load-more-btn-5045d3c\" data-widget-id=\"5045d3c\" data-widget=\"5045d3c\" data-page-id=\"28\" data-template=\"{&quot;dir&quot;:&quot;pro&quot;,&quot;file_name&quot;:&quot;hoverer.php&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Dynamic-Filterable-Gallery&quot;}\" data-class=\"Essential_Addons_Elementor\\Pro\\Elements\\Dynamic_Filterable_Gallery\" data-layout=\"grid\" data-page=\"1\" data-args=\"orderby=date&amp;order=desc&amp;ignore_sticky_posts=1&amp;post_status=publish&amp;posts_per_page=4&amp;offset=0&amp;post_type=post&amp;author__in%5B0%5D=1\" data-max-page=\"2\">\n                    <span class=\"eael-btn-loader button__loader\"><\/span>\n                    <span class=\"eael_load_more_text\"><\/span>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6f61dc e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e6f61dc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f69b0ca elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f69b0ca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Executive Summary<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-421aad9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"421aad9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Coalition focuses on key pillars to drive sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all <br> West African member states.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af60fe0 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"af60fe0\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd19959 eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"dd19959\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">Official Unbrella Organzation for SMEs<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p class=\"text-sm md:text-base text-white\/80 leading-relaxed mb-4 md:mb-6\" data-replit-metadata=\"client\/src\/pages\/Home.tsx:138:18\" data-component-name=\"p\">The ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) serves as the officially recognized umbrella organization dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across West Africa.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8422b5d eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"8422b5d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">Established through a Strategic MoU<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p>Established through a high-level Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ECOWAS Commission, the ESBC&#8217;s foundation reflects a commitment to regional economic integration and the promotion of enterprise development.<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f5fe08 eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"0f5fe08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">Commitment Sustainable Development<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p class=\"text-sm md:text-base text-white\/80 leading-relaxed mb-4 md:mb-6\" data-replit-metadata=\"client\/src\/pages\/Home.tsx:138:18\" data-component-name=\"p\">The Coalition aims to foster integration, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable development by providing essential services to MSMEs including advocacy, capacity-building, market access, and strategic partnerships.<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cdf2a3 eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"2cdf2a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">A Vital Platform for MSME Opportunities<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p class=\"text-sm md:text-base text-white\/80 leading-relaxed mb-4 md:mb-6\" data-replit-metadata=\"client\/src\/pages\/Home.tsx:138:18\" data-component-name=\"p\">ESBC acts as a vital platform for creating opportunities for MSMEs, ensuring they can compete effectively in the regional and global market through various support mechanisms.<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b874fd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4b874fd\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dec4d5e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dec4d5e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Partnership &amp; Stakeholder Engagement<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61ea77e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"61ea77e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">ESBC invites strategic alliances with organizations committed to West Africa\u2019s economic integration and MSME growth.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be52b6b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"be52b6b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0acfa3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0acfa3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why Partner with ESBC?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d191cfb e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d191cfb\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b99fd0 eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"5b99fd0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">Unmatched Credibility &amp; Access<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p class=\"p1\">Operate under an official ECOWAS mandate<\/p><p class=\"p1\">with direct access to regional policymaking.<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05b1873 eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"05b1873\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">Direct Market Linkages<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p class=\"p1\">Connect with a vast, organized network of MSMEs and<\/p><p class=\"p1\">national coalitions across 15 countries.<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98342e1 eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"98342e1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">Amplified Impact<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p class=\"p1\">Leverage our structured committees and regional presence<\/p><p class=\"p1\">to implement programs at scale.<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0aa4dce eael-infobox-content-align--center elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-info-box\" data-id=\"0aa4dce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-info-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-infobox icon-on-top\">\n\t            <div class=\"infobox-content\">\n                    <div class=\"infobox-title-section\">\n                <h2 class=\"title\">Shared Vision for Integration<\/h2>            <\/div>\n            <div><p class=\"p1\">Align with the foremost driver of MSME-led<\/p><p class=\"p1\">regional economic integration.<\/p><\/div>        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Regional Integration Empowering West African SMEs The Role of ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) Exploring the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"unboxed","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"disabled","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-28","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":459,"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/28\/revisions\/459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecowas.cohfagroup.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}