The 5th meeting of Industry and Commerce ministers from the Sahel States Confederation (AES) took place in Mali, chaired by Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga. The meeting, attended by ministers from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, aimed to enhance regional integration and promote the 'Made in AES' brand. The gathering is part of the AES's efforts to ensure economic sovereignty and strengthen regional economies.
The meeting focused on harmonizing the legal framework for commercial activities, constructing a competitive confederal market, and promoting economic integration within the AES. Niger's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdoulaye Seydou, expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, which he believes will facilitate the harmonization of laws governing commercial activities. Burkina Faso's Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Handicrafts, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, emphasized the need to build a competitive market.
The meeting aligns with the vision of the AES's founding fathers to ensure economic sovereignty. The AES seeks to create a framework for concertation and coordination among private sector stakeholders to strengthen the regional economy. The goal is to promote economic integration, enhance the 'Made in AES' brand, and secure more open markets and shared prosperity.
Prime Minister Maïga, speaking on behalf of Transitional President Assimi Goïta, highlighted the importance of implementing the Plan d'actions prioritaires, which was agreed upon during the Ouagadougou meeting. The plan focuses on several key areas, including industrial development, improving the business climate, facilitating trade, and combating fraud and unfair competition.
Maïga emphasized the need for accelerated integration, particularly with regards to the upcoming economic agenda and negotiations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He suggested that future meetings should involve ministers responsible for economy, finance, transport, agriculture, and security to develop a joint chronogram of reforms.
The AES is taking steps to strengthen regional integration, including the organization of the 2nd edition of the AES Games in Ouagadougou. The event, set to take place from September 7-16, 2026, aims to promote unity and cooperation among member states. Additionally, Burkinabè Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré addressed the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the AES's commitment to regional cooperation.
The Sahel States Confederation continues to work towards deepening regional integration and promoting economic cooperation. The 5th meeting of Industry and Commerce ministers has laid the groundwork for enhanced collaboration and the development of a competitive regional market. Key points include:
Key points
- The meeting aimed to enhance regional integration and promote the 'Made in AES' brand.
- The AES seeks to create a framework for concertation and coordination among private sector stakeholders.
- The organization is working towards deepening regional integration and promoting economic cooperation.
