Biometrics: The new currency of West African trade, says FEWACCI Chief

Aminou Akadiri, Executive Director of the Africa Union Business Council and the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI), highlighted how biometric ID cards can transform trade across West Africa, stressing that mobility and trust are crucial for unlocking finance, driving entrepreneurship, and scaling businesses regionally.

He emphasised that understanding and connecting with partners is the first step toward successful regional business. Drawing on decades of advocacy by the Federation, the rollout of Nigeria’s biometric ID cards was presented as a landmark initiative for seamless mobility, more efficient commerce, and strengthened investment flows.

“With a population of nearly 500 million and a combined GDP approaching $800 billion, West Africa represents one of the most dynamic markets in the world. Yet, trade remains below potential at just 20%,” Akadiri said. “Biometric ID cards offer a secure, standardized, regionally recognized identifier that allows businesses to trade efficiently, reduce compliance barriers, and expand across borders with confidence.”

The Federation, established in 1972, serves as the unified voice of the regional private sector, promoting cross-border investment, easing trade procedures, and ensuring private sector perspectives influence policy decisions.

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This year’s event highlighted the importance of regional tools such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Passport for West African Businesses (APWA) in creating inclusive growth.

Aminou Akadiri encouraged entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to leverage these initiatives to assess markets, build partnerships, and scale businesses across the region. “Your next market is not far—it is across the border. The system to assess this is growing stronger every day,” he said.

Closing the address, the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to mobilize chambers of commerce, business networks, and stakeholders to ensure that prosperity generated by trade is shared equitably, boosting regional integration and positioning West Africa as a globally competitive economic hub.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.