The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has distributed biometric identity cards to more than 260 women traders operating along the Senegal–Guinea-Bissau border, in a move aimed at enhancing regional integration and facilitating cross-border commerce.
The ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Cards (ENBIC) were presented during a ceremony held on March 16, 2026, in the twin border communities of São Domingos and Mpack, with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation.
The initiative, implemented by ECOWAS’ Directorate of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, seeks to ease the movement of women engaged in informal cross-border trade while addressing administrative challenges faced by vulnerable groups who often lack access to official travel documentation.
The event drew participation from officials of both countries, including the Governor of Cacheu in Guinea-Bissau, Honorina Vasconcelos, and the Governor of Ziguinchor in Senegal, Mor Talla Tine, alongside representatives of national boundary commissions and the ECOWAS Commission.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vasconcelos commended ECOWAS for selecting São Domingos for the pilot phase, describing the programme as a significant step toward deepening regional integration and improving cross-border mobility.
Tine, in his remarks, underscored the importance of transforming border communities into centres of economic opportunity while maintaining vigilance against transnational crime and security risks. He noted that approximately 100 women cross the Mpack–São Domingos corridor daily without adequate knowledge of required travel documentation, highlighting the need for intensified public sensitization.
Representing the ECOWAS Director of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, Obinna Ajugwo said the initiative reflects the bloc’s commitment to translating policy frameworks on free movement into tangible benefits for citizens.
He explained that the biometric identity card is a key tool for facilitating seamless cross-border travel while strengthening security through modern identity verification systems.
A total of 262 women traders benefited from the programme, which was widely welcomed by recipients who depend on daily cross-border trade for their livelihoods.
ECOWAS noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen border management, improve migration governance, and advance the free movement protocol across West Africa.
Founded in 1975 in Lagos, ECOWAS continues to pursue economic integration among member states, guided by its long-term vision of building “an ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All by 2050.”
