The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has named Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote as the pioneer Chairman of the newly established ECOWAS Business Council (EBC).
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Touray, during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
The EBC, an independent private-sector platform, is designed to strengthen regional trade, attract investment and accelerate economic integration across West Africa.
It is expected to serve as a bridge between policymakers and business leaders, enabling stronger collaboration in driving economic development.
Dr. Touray said Dangote’s appointment was based on his extensive business expertise and the impact of his investments across the continent.
According to him, the growing enthusiasm for intra-regional investment among ECOWAS member states made the formation of the EBC timely.
He highlighted several economic forums held this year including Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the ‘Invest in District Savanes’ forum in Côte d’Ivoire as evidence of rising investor confidence within the region.
“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,” Touray said.
He expressed confidence that with leading figures like Dangote, the private sector could play a transformative role in building a resilient regional economy provided the right incentives and support are in place.
Through the EBC, ECOWAS aims to convene private-sector leaders to deliberate on economic integration, deepen partnerships, and strengthen collaboration with government agencies and regional institutions.