Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

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

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

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

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

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

“The extensive tariffs introduced last week caused tremors across global markets. Certain ones specifically aim at Commonwealth nations. We all bear the impact,” she emphasized.

This is significantly different from our routine operations. Our standard procedures were not benefiting the Commonwealth,” she stated, further noting, “While others construct obstacles, we establish 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 focuses on three key areas: inclusivity, innovation, and investments.

She advocated for a more inclusive system that allows all 2.7 billion Commonwealth citizens to engage effectively 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 effective, actionable solutions,” she stated, giving a glimpse of the upcoming Commonwealth Business Summit set for June in Namibia.

This is our time,” she stated conclusively. “The sole obstacle to achieving success is the fear of daring greatly. We have the capability and responsibility to transform our common principles into collective wealth.

The summit, which was joined by prominent individuals 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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