Things are becoming clearer on the reopening of land borders in the area of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), after their closure for nearly two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the latest information gathered by AfrikPage, the land borders of ECOWAS member states could reopen from January 1.
A recommendation in this direction was made on Monday by the sectoral ministers of the Community, following a virtual meeting.
According to officials, (around fifty in all, including officials in charge of the interior, transport, trade, health, infrastructure and finance), “the reopening of borders for the revival of economic activities is a fundamental stake ”.
Indeed, Commission of Community Organization noted that travel restrictions have had an impact on the main economic sectors and disrupted supply chains and especially market access for SMEs.
The impact on the GDP of countries in outer space is also felt, with about $ 50 billion in losses between 2020 and 2021, according to data from the organization.
Technical options, accompanying measures, or even procedures were therefore discussed and adopted, and will be presented to the Council of Ministers and then transmitted to the Heads of State for a final decision.
Another flagship recommendation was also made, the mutual recognition of Covid-19 PCR tests at the borders and the harmonization of their validity period.
As a reminder last September, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) states also met on the issue of reopening of land borders.
Source: AfrikPage