ABUJA, Nigeria — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified efforts to deepen regional economic integration with the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), aimed at boosting private sector participation across the sub-region.
The move was highlighted during a high-level working visit by senior ECOWAS officials to the Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council, Aliko Dangote, at the Dangote Group headquarters in Lagos.
According to a statement released on Friday, the delegation was led by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, alongside the Commissioner for Internal Services, Dr. Habib Yaya Bappah.
Discussions focused on advancing the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Business Council as a strategic platform to strengthen private sector involvement in implementing the bloc’s regional market agenda.
Driving Trade, Investment and Growth
ECOWAS said the initiative is designed to accelerate economic integration across West Africa by fostering closer collaboration between governments and businesses.
The organisation noted that the Business Council would play a critical role in promoting intra-regional trade, attracting investment, supporting industrialisation, and driving sustainable economic growth within member states.
Officials emphasised that stronger private sector engagement is essential to improving regional competitiveness and unlocking new business opportunities across the sub-region.
Strategic Role of the Private Sector
The ECOWAS Business Council is expected to serve as a bridge between policymakers and business leaders, ensuring that private sector perspectives are integrated into regional economic policies.
The visit underscores ECOWAS’ renewed commitment to building a more integrated and competitive regional economy, leveraging the capacity of leading African enterprises.
