The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote as the inaugural chairman of its newly established ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), the organisation announced on Wednesday.
ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Touray confirmed the appointment during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja, saying Dangote’s extensive business record—both within West Africa and across the continent—made him the clear choice to lead the new private-sector body.
Touray said the council’s creation comes at a moment when interest in intra-regional investment is growing among member states. He referenced several major economic forums hosted in the region this year, including Forum Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Invest in District Savanes initiative.
According to Touray, this momentum shows the region is increasingly committed to mobilising domestic capital instead of relying on uncertain foreign investment flows.
“I am confident that with the kind of investments we have seen from the likes of Alhaji Dangote, our regional private sector actors can lead the way in the development of our community, if given the right incentives and opportunity,” he said.
The newly formed EBC is designed to bring private-sector leaders together to shape discussions on economic integration and regional development. ECOWAS says the council will help strengthen cooperation among businesses, government entities, and ECOWAS institutions, serving as a bridge between policymakers and investors.
The Business Council is expected to play a central role in promoting sub-regional trade, enhancing investment flows, and advancing West Africa’s long-term economic integration agenda.
Source:Africa Publicity
