EU Regional Business Forum - West Africa Corridors - March 2026

The EU Regional Business Forum – West Africa Corridors (Abidjan–Lagos and Abidjan–Ouagadougou) took place in Abidjan from 30 March to 1 April 2026. Co-organised by the European Union, Regional Country Partners and key partners including ENABEL, Expertise France, Trademark Africa, The Ministry of Transport of Côte d'Ivoire, and CEPICI, the Forum aimed to strengthen trade and investment along the strategic CALAO corridors, enhancing economic connectivity between West Africa and Europe. Bringing together policymakers, business leaders, financial institutions, investors, and regional stakeholders, the three-day event provided a platform for high-level dialogue, sector-focused discussions, and targeted networking. Central to the Forum was a strong focus on unlocking the trade and investment potential of the Abidjan–Lagos and Abidjan–Ouagadougou corridors, recognised as key economic arteries for regional integration and competitiveness, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Priority sectors highlighted during the Forum included transport and infrastructure, energy, digitalisation, agriculture, and industrial development, each presenting concrete opportunities for investment and public–private partnerships along the corridors. Through plenary sessions, investment showcases, and business-to-business engagements, the Forum sought to translate dialogue into actionable partnerships and bankable projects, reinforcing EU-West Africa trade and investment ties while supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across the CALAO corridors.