ECOWAS Appoints Dangote as First Business Council Chairman

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, as the inaugural head of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC). The announcement was made by ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Touray, during the 95th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The EBC, an independent private-sector platform, was created to strengthen regional trade, attract investment, and accelerate economic integration across West Africa by fostering collaboration between businesses and policymakers.

Touray said Dangote was chosen due to his extensive business influence within the ECOWAS region and across Africa. He noted that momentum for intra-regional investment is growing, highlighted by recent economic forums in Senegal, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

He stressed that West Africa must leverage internal capital and local investors—such as Dangote—to drive development instead of relying on uncertain foreign funding. According to him, the new council will serve as a hub for private-sector engagement, helping to promote integration, growth, and strategic partnerships among companies, governments, and ECOWAS institutions.

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