The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigerian industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as the first Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), a newly created platform designed to strengthen private sector participation in regional economic growth.
The announcement was made by ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The EBC was established to deepen private sector involvement, stimulate cross-border trade, attract investment, and accelerate economic integration across West Africa. The Council is expected to serve as a bridge between business leaders and policymakers within the sub-region.
Touray explained that Dangote’s appointment was driven by his extensive business track record, spanning not only West Africa but the continent at large. He noted that interest in intra-regional investment has continued to grow among ECOWAS member states, citing recent economic forums such as Senegal Invest, the West African Economic Summit in Nigeria, and the “Invest in District Savanes” forum in Côte d’Ivoire.
He stressed the importance of mobilising regional capital rather than relying heavily on foreign investments, describing Dangote as an example of the kind of private sector leadership capable of driving sustainable development.
“With the scale of investments we’ve seen from leaders like Alhaji Dangote, our private sector has the potential to champion the economic transformation of our community—provided the right environment and incentives are in place,” Touray said.
Through the EBC, ECOWAS intends to bring together private sector stakeholders, government agencies, and its own institutions to promote dialogue, foster partnerships, and advance regional economic integration.