𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵

ECOWAS has inaugurated its new Business Council and named Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote as its first chair, a move aimed at deepening regional trade, strengthening the private sector, and accelerating economic growth across West Africa.

The ECOWAS Commission said the council will serve as a platform for strategic engagement between governments and leading business actors, helping to shape policies that directly affect investment, trade facilitation, and industrial development in member states.

According to the Commission, Dangote’s appointment reflects his long-standing contribution to African economic integration and private-sector leadership. His role will include mobilising regional business stakeholders, coordinating investment drives, and advising ECOWAS on reforms needed to improve competitiveness.

Speaking at the launch, Dangote expressed his commitment to supporting a stronger economic bloc, noting that West Africa holds vast potential in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and digital innovation if structural barriers are addressed.

He added that the council will focus on improving cross-border trade, reducing logistical bottlenecks, promoting value addition, and creating a more enabling environment for small and medium enterprises.

ECOWAS hopes the new body will strengthen collaboration with private investors and help unlock opportunities capable of boosting job creation and sustainable development across the region.