The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, as the pioneer Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC).
ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Touray, announced the appointment on Wednesday during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja.
The EBC, an independent platform established by ECOWAS, is designed to strengthen the role of the private sector, stimulate sub-regional trade, attract investment, and enhance economic integration across West Africa. It is expected to serve as a bridge between the private sector and policymakers within the sub-region.
Touray explained that Dangote’s selection was informed by his extensive business expertise and the significant economic footprint of his enterprises, not only within the ECOWAS region but across the African continent.
He noted that momentum for intra-regional investment was increasing, citing recent economic forums such as the Forum Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the “Invest in District Savanes” forum in Côte d’Ivoire.
“This growing appetite for intra-regional investment highlights the need to mobilise capital within our region to build our community, rather than relying on unstable foreign investments,” Touray said.
He added that with the scale of investments by business leaders such as Dangote, the region’s private sector could drive West Africa’s development if provided with the right incentives and opportunities.
Through the EBC, ECOWAS aims to convene private sector stakeholders to deliberate on economic integration and regional development, while facilitating stronger partnerships among private enterprises, government agencies, and ECOWAS institutions.
