As part of the implementation of the Regional Programme for the Integration of Agricultural Markets (PRIMA), members of the Corridor Consultation Frameworks (CCC) from Benin and Togo convened from 29 June to 4 July 2026 in Djougou and Dassa-Zoumé, Benin, and subsequently in Atakpamé, Togo, for a regional knowledge-sharing and evaluation meeting focused on actions to facilitate intra-Community trade.

The meetings brought together representatives from public administrations, professional organisations, economic operators, traders (including women and men), transport operators, producer organisations, and programme partners. All were united by a common goal: to strengthen cross-border dialogue and improve the flow of agricultural, forestry, livestock, and fisheries products between Benin and Togo.

The discussions provided an opportunity to review the activities carried out by the Corridor Consultation Frameworks, including awareness-raising campaigns on ECOWAS Community regulations, the monitoring of cross-border trade flows, and the outcomes of Operation Road Fluidity. Participants shared their experiences, identified good practices, and assessed progress made in reducing barriers to cross-border trade in agricultural, forestry, livestock, and fisheries products between the two countries.

The exchanges highlighted the persistence of several challenges, including non-tariff barriers, road harassment and checkpoints, administrative delays, and difficulties in enforcing Community regulations. In response to these challenges, stakeholders formulated recommendations aimed at :

• Strengthening dialogue between government administrations, the private sector, and professional organisations;
• Intensifying awareness-raising and advocacy efforts; and
• Improving corridor monitoring mechanisms. .

Participants reaffirmed the strategic role of the Corridor Consultation Frameworks as permanent platforms for dialogue, consultation, and monitoring. These frameworks contribute to the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the promotion of smoother, more inclusive, and more competitive regional trade.

Through this initiative, the Regional Programme for the Integration of Agricultural Markets (PRIMA) reaffirms its commitment to supporting Member States in removing barriers to cross-border trade, strengthening the integration of agricultural markets, and improving the incomes of producers and economic operators.

### About PRIMA

Implemented by the ECOWAS Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA), with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Governments of Benin and Togo, the Regional Programme for the Integration of Agricultural Markets (PRIMA) aims to improve the functioning of agricultural markets and the flow of cross-border trade. It does so by strengthening trade infrastructure, enhancing stakeholder dialogue mechanisms, and ensuring the effective implementation of ECOWAS Community regulations.