ECOWAS Business Council Launches to Boost Regional Trade

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is advancing its agenda to deepen regional economic integration and enhance private sector participation through the operationalization of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC). This initiative, led by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council and head of Dangote Group, aims to drive investment and industrial development across the sub-region.

A high-level meeting took place at Dangote Group headquarters in Lagos, attended by senior officials from the ECOWAS Commission, including Dr. Kalil Sylla and Dr. Habib Yaya Bappah. The council is expected to bridge the gap between policymakers and the business community, providing practical solutions to long-standing barriers to trade and investment.

Despite previous efforts, trade among West African countries remains significantly below potential due to challenges such as poor infrastructure and inconsistent policies. The operationalization of the EBC is seen as a critical step in addressing these obstacles and fostering a more competitive and resilient regional economy.