Regional bloc taps Africa’s richest man to drive private-sector integration and boost intra-West African trade
Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has been appointed the pioneer chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), a newly established platform designed to strengthen private-sector participation and accelerate trade within the West African subregion.
The announcement was made by Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the opening ceremony of the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Why Dangote Was Selected
Touray said the choice of the Dangote Group chairman was anchored on his unmatched track record in building businesses across West Africa and the continent.
“I’m happy to report that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has accepted this regional role,” Touray told delegates.
According to him, the appointment coincides with ongoing efforts to fully operationalise the business council and bring the region’s most influential private-sector players into conversations on economic integration and development.
Council to Drive Public–Private Collaboration
The ECOWAS Commission president emphasized that the EBC will serve as a bridge between private-sector leaders, national governments, and ECOWAS institutions.
“Through the council, we hope to bring private sector actors around the table as we discuss economic integration and development of our region,”
he said.
He added that the council will enable deeper dialogue and shared strategies for advancing West African investment, industrialisation, and cross-border commerce.
Growing Interest in Intra-African Investment
Touray noted that several member states have stepped up efforts to promote regional investment opportunities. He cited events such as:
- Forum Sénégal Invest in Senegal
- West African Economic Summit in Nigeria
- Invest in District Savanes Forum in Côte d’Ivoire
He also revealed that Sierra Leone has submitted a proposal to host a West Africa Economic Investment Summit, reflecting a growing appetite for intra-regional capital mobilisation.
Touray stressed that harnessing domestic investment resources is essential for the region’s long-term development, rather than relying heavily on foreign inflows.
Confidence in Dangote’s Leadership
The ECOWAS president expressed strong confidence in Dangote’s ability to steer the EBC and advance its core objectives, saying the billionaire industrialist is well-positioned to galvanise the region’s private sector.
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