Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

The recently chosen Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has announced an ambitious new trade strategy for the 56-nation organization. She aims to dismantle trade obstacles and foster collective economic growth among all member countries.

At her inaugural external speech during the Commonwealth Trade & Investment Summit 2025 held at Mansion House in London, the Secretary-General stated that trade would remain “a key focus” throughout her tenure. She pledged to shift gears from mere talk to tangible outcomes.

“We aim to address trade obstacles, boost digital access, assist small enterprises, and create investment prospects in critical areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy transformation, and e-commerce,” she stated.

The summit took place with the theme: “A Delivering Commonwealth: Trade, Transformation, and Shared Prosperity.”

Pointing to the latest series of extensive worldwide tariffs, several of which specifically target Commonwealth nations, Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey highlighted the critical importance of solidarity and collaboration.

“The broad-ranging tariffs introduced last week caused tremors across global markets. Several specifically aim at Commonwealth nations. This impact affects each one of us,” she emphasized.

This is significantly different from our routine operations. Our standard procedures were not effective for the Commonwealth,” she stated, further noting, “While others construct obstacles, we erect connections.

The Secretary-General also emphasized the distinctive “Commonwealth Trade Advantage,” pointing out that commerce between Commonwealth countries costs 21% less due to their shared legal frameworks, language, and historical connections.

Nevertheless, she emphasized that this benefit should now be transformed into an opportunity—particularly for smaller nations, landlocked states, and underrepresented enterprises.

Ms. Ayorkor Botchwey stated that her approach to trade is built upon three key foundations: inclusivity, innovation, and investment.

She advocated for a more inclusive system that empowers all 2.7 billion Commonwealth citizens to actively engage in international markets, supported by digital trade reforms and specific funding initiatives aimed at entrepreneurs—particularly women and young people.

She likewise aimed her focus at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua & Barbuda next year, viewing the summit as a signal to begin moving towards concrete results.

“For the first time, ministers, CEOs, small business owners, and development organizations will come together to create tangible, pragmatic solutions,” she stated, giving a glimpse of the upcoming Commonwealth Business Summit set for June in Namibia.

This is our moment,” she declared. “The sole obstacle to achieving success is the fear of thinking ambitiously. We have the capability and responsibility to transform our common principles into collective wealth.

The summit, which included prominent attendees such as Lord Marland, the Lord Mayor of London, and Dr. Hussain Ali Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar, aims to influence trade and investment policies before CHOGM 2026.

By Ernest Kofi Adu

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We Will Address Trade Obstacles – Commonwealth Secretary-General
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