Commonwealth chief urges stronger trade ties among members states

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Barbara Bako, Abuja.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has called for deeper trade, investment and economic cooperation among Commonwealth countries, saying stronger partnerships are needed to drive growth, job creation and shared prosperity across member states.

Speaking at Invest Lagos 3.0, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), Botchwey said the Commonwealth was well-positioned to help its 56 member countries navigate ongoing shifts in the global economy.

According to her, the global economy is undergoing a structural transformation that requires countries within the Commonwealth to strengthen commercial and economic ties rather than retreat into isolation.

She noted that the Commonwealth’s shared language, legal systems, institutions and business practices provide significant advantages that help reduce barriers to trade and investment among member countries.

Botchwey said trade among Commonwealth nations is conducted at an average cost about 21 per cent lower than trade between comparable non-Commonwealth countries, describing the advantage as a valuable asset that should be translated into practical economic benefits.

She stressed the need to convert these advantages into increased investment, stronger supply chains, improved infrastructure, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

The Secretary-General also advocated greater investment in infrastructure, digital connectivity, entrepreneurship and skills development, particularly for young people and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Emphasising the importance of implementation, she called for stronger partnerships capable of delivering large-scale economic outcomes and boosting investor confidence across the Commonwealth.

Botchwey further urged member states to create conditions that support long-term investment and deeper economic integration, noting that the Commonwealth already possesses the networks needed to advance commercial cooperation.

She said these priorities would remain central to discussions at the Commonwealth Business Forum 2026, scheduled to hold from November 2 to 4 alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The forum, organised by CWEIC, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat, is expected to bring together heads of government, ministers, investors and business leaders from across the Commonwealth to promote trade, investment and commercial partnerships.