An event co-organized by The Gambia, Germany, and the Executive Secretariat of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) took place as part of the EIF Global Forum 2025 under the theme "Accelerating Impact – On the Road to EIF Phase Three." The meeting builds on discussions held at a recent side event during the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla and marks another step toward launching EIF Phase Three. This phase is scheduled to begin soon, ahead of a high-level pledging conference at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon in March 2026.
In her opening remarks, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that EIF Phase Three arrives at a significant time, drawing from over 15 years of experience to support least-developed countries (LDCs) facing current global challenges. She cited an example from Mali: “Behind each number are people's lives,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “For these women, trade has meant higher incomes, better jobs, greater economic and social empowerment, and increased resilience to local and other shocks.” She referred to a cooperative of women shea producers in southern Mali who, with EIF support since 2019, have produced 3,400 tonnes of shea nuts and processed 1,100 tonnes into shea butter. Of this output, they exported 420 tonnes internationally and generated more than USD 2 million in revenue.
The event also featured remarks by Hon. Baboucarr Bouy of The Gambia; H.E. Mr Manothong Vongxay from Lao PDR; and Ms Helge Zeitler representing Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Special guests included Jochen Wermuth from Wermuth Asset Management and Eng. Adeeb Y. Al Aama of the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. Funding partners expressed ongoing commitment to the EIF during discussions focused on reducing trade costs and increasing LDC competitiveness.
Pamela Coke Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, delivered closing remarks.
Since it began operations, the EIF has remained the only global Aid for Trade framework focused solely on supporting LDCs in using trade for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Further information about the Enhanced Integrated Framework can be found at its official site: https://www.enhancedif.org/.