The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, as the first Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC).
ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Touray announced on Wednesday during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja.
The newly established EBC is designed to serve as an independent platform to strengthen the private sector, stimulate sub-regional trade, encourage investment, and promote economic integration across West Africa. It aims to close the gap between policymakers and business leaders in the sub-region.
Touray said Dangote’s selection was driven by his extensive business expertise and his influence not only within ECOWAS countries but across the African continent. He noted that the momentum for intra-regional investment is already growing among member states, citing key economic forums held this year, including the Forum Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the “Invest in District Savanes” forum in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to him, this rising interest in regional investment highlights the importance of mobilising local capital rather than depending on uncertain foreign funding.
Touray expressed confidence that with investors like Dangote, the private sector can play a leading role in developing the region—provided the right incentives and opportunities are in place.
Through the Business Council, ECOWAS plans to bring together private sector leaders to advance dialogue on economic integration and regional development, and to strengthen partnerships between businesses, government agencies, and ECOWAS institutions.
