West Africa's own quality mark, and certified solar installers
ECOWAS has listed the national bodies that can award its ECOQMARK label, and approved a regional scheme to certify off-grid solar designers, installers and inspectors.
Abidjan — West African producers are a step closer to a regional seal of quality, and solar technicians to a qualification recognised across the region. Both came out of the 12th meeting of the ECOWAS Conformity Assessment Committee (ECOCONF) in Abidjan from 15 to 17 October, ECOWAS said.
ECOQMARK
- The committee drew up a provisional list of national certification bodies that meet the criteria to award the regional ECOQMARK label for relevant product categories.
- ECOWAS wants the mark to become a credible symbol of quality that benefits both producers and consumers.
- The committee also discussed how West African products can meet voluntary sustainability standards demanded by buyers.
Solar skills
The meeting approved a regional programme, presented by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), to certify the competence of designers, installers and inspectors of off-grid solar PV systems.
Why it matters
A trusted regional quality mark helps West African goods compete in one another's markets and beyond. Certified solar technicians matter as off-grid solar spreads across the region: a qualification that is recognised in every member state means better installations and more mobile skilled workers.
The work falls under the ECOWAS Quality Policy and is backed by the EU-funded Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme, run with UNIDO and ITC. Acting Director of Private Sector and Industry Peter Okonkwo Oluonye spoke on behalf of Commissioner Delphue Yenpea Zuo.
Source: ECOWAS Commission, 21 October 2026.
