The Economic Community of West African States has appointed the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, as the inaugural head of the newly established ECOWAS Business Council.
The announcement was made by the President of ECOWAS, Omar Touray, during the Ninety Fifth Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja.
The council, created as an independent platform, is expected to strengthen the role of the private sector, enhance trade within the sub region, attract investment, and support ongoing efforts toward deeper economic integration.
Designed as a bridge between businesses and policymakers, the council aims to create a more coordinated environment for regional economic growth.
Mr Touray said Dangote’s selection was influenced by his extensive business footprint not only within the ECOWAS bloc but across Africa.
According to him, the growing interest in intra regional investment among West African countries shows the region’s readiness to deepen economic cooperation.
He referred to several investment forums held this year, including Forum Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the Invest in District Savanes forum in Cote 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.
The ECOWAS president added that the new council would provide a platform for private sector players to engage in discussions on regional development and economic integration.
The body is expected to strengthen collaboration among business leaders, government institutions, and ECOWAS agencies as part of broader efforts to boost economic advancement across West Africa.
