The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has named Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, as the pioneer Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC).
Dr Omar Touray, ECOWAS President, announced this during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The EBC is an independent ECOWAS platform aimed at empowering the private sector, enhancing sub-regional trade, encouraging investment, and promoting economic integration.
The Council is designed to bridge the gap between businesses and policymakers within West Africa.
Touray explained that Dangote was selected due to his extensive business experience, not only within the ECOWAS sub-region but across the African continent.
He highlighted the growing interest in promoting intra-regional investment among ECOWAS member states.
Touray cited recent investment forums such as Forum Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the ‘Invest in District Savanes’ forum in Côte d’Ivoire, all held within West Africa this year.
“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 EBC would bring private sector players together to discuss economic integration and regional development.
The Council will also foster dialogue and partnerships among private sector entities, government agencies, and ECOWAS institutions.
