In an effort to deepen regional economic cooperation, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Envoy on the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has been formally received by President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire.
According to a statement from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the high-level meeting was held at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu delivered a formal letter from President Tinubu, inviting President Ouattara to attend the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit, scheduled for 20–21 June 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.
During the meeting, the Special Envoy also conveyed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting key stakeholders from governments and industries across West Africa.
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She noted, “WAES 2025 is designed to usher in a new chapter in regional economic cooperation.”
The summit will centre on crucial areas including sustainable development, strategic integration, and advancing a collective vision for economic sovereignty in the region. Themed “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region”, the event aims to promote inclusive growth and intra-regional commerce.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu was accompanied by senior officials including Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs; Ambassador John Ejinaka; and Ambassador Ahmed Sule.
President Ouattara welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and pivotal to shaping West Africa’s economic future. He commended President Tinubu’s leadership in driving the agenda and reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s strong commitment to regional collaboration.
