The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has named Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, as the inaugural Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC).
ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, made the announcement during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Wednesday in Abuja.
The EBC is an independent platform created by ECOWAS to empower the private sector, stimulate intra-regional trade, attract investment, and advance economic integration. It aims to bridge the gap between businesses and policymakers across the West African sub-region.
Dr Touray explained that Dangote’s appointment reflects his extensive business experience, not only within the ECOWAS sub-region but across Africa.
Also Read: Dangote Expands Refinery to 1.4 Million Barrels per Day
He noted that initiatives to promote intra-regional investment are already gaining momentum among ECOWAS Member States, citing recent economic forums such as Forum Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the ‘Invest in District Savanes’ forum in Côte d’Ivoire.
“This appetite for intra-regional investment underscores the need to mobilise capital within our region to build our community rather than wait for precarious foreign investments. 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.
Dr Touray added that the EBC would serve as a platform for private sector actors to discuss economic integration and regional development, while facilitating dialogue and partnerships among businesses, government agencies, and ECOWAS institutions.
