The Economic Community of West African States has issued National Biometric Identity Cards (ENBIC) to over 260 women traders operating along the Senegal–Guinea-Bissau border, in a move aimed at enhancing regional integration and facilitating cross-border trade.
The cards were distributed during a ceremony held on March 16, 2026, in the twin border communities of São Domingos in Guinea-Bissau and Mpack in Senegal, with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation.
The initiative, spearheaded by ECOWAS’ Directorate of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, seeks to ease mobility for women engaged in informal cross-border trade while addressing administrative challenges faced by individuals lacking access to valid travel documents.
The event was attended by key officials from both countries, including Honorina Vasconcelos of Guinea-Bissau and Mor Talla Tine of Senegal, as well as representatives of national boundary commissions and the ECOWAS Commission.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vasconcelos commended ECOWAS for selecting São Domingos as a pilot location, describing the programme as a significant step toward strengthening economic ties and improving mobility across the sub-region.
Tine also praised the initiative, noting the need to transform border communities into centres of economic opportunity while maintaining vigilance against cross-border crime. He revealed that about 100 women cross the Mpack–São Domingos border daily without proper documentation, underscoring the importance of awareness and access to travel credentials.
Representing the ECOWAS Director of Free Movement, Migration and Tourism, Obinna Ajugwo said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to making regional integration tangible for citizens.
He emphasised that the biometric identity card enhances both mobility and security by providing a reliable system for identity verification across borders.
A total of 262 women traders benefited from the programme, which was widely welcomed by participants who depend on cross-border commerce for their livelihoods.
ECOWAS noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve migration governance, strengthen border management systems, and advance the free movement of persons within West Africa.
Established in 1975 in Lagos, ECOWAS continues to pursue economic cooperation among member states, with a long-term vision of building “an ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All by 2050.”
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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