Renowned industrialist Aliko Dangote has been appointed the inaugural Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), a newly established regional body created to strengthen economic cooperation, promote private-sector development, and deepen trade integration within West Africa.
The announcement was made at the council’s inaugural session, where senior officials from ECOWAS member states, leading business executives, and regional economic stakeholders gathered to outline the vision and operational framework of the new institution. The EBC is designed to serve as the main advisory platform connecting the private sector with ECOWAS authorities, ensuring that business perspectives play a central role in shaping regional trade, industrial, and investment policies.
A Role Focused on Regional Economic Transformation
In his acceptance speech, Dangote expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and emphasized the urgency of revitalizing economic cooperation across West Africa. He noted that the region holds immense potential in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, logistics, and the digital economy — but stressed that unlocking these opportunities will require coordinated policies, stable regulatory environments, and improved infrastructure.
Dangote highlighted that the EBC will focus on addressing persistent barriers to trade, such as border challenges, inconsistent tariffs, logistics bottlenecks, and limited access to finance for small and medium-scale enterprises. He added that the council would work closely with national chambers of commerce, regional financial institutions, and investment groups to create a unified platform that supports cross-border business operations.
ECOWAS Leaders Outline Expectations
Representatives of the ECOWAS Commission described the formation of the Business Council as a critical step toward repositioning the regional bloc in line with global economic shifts. According to officials, the council is expected to drive strategic dialogues on industrial growth, trade liberalization, job creation, and private-sector contributions to regional stability.
They further noted that Dangote’s appointment reflects his decades-long influence in African business, his experience in building multinational enterprises, and his demonstrated commitment to regional development. The expectation, they emphasized, is that the council under his leadership will champion policies that encourage investment flows and make West Africa more competitive globally.
Stakeholders Welcome the Appointment
Business leaders from across West Africa welcomed the news, describing Dangote’s leadership as an opportunity to bring credibility, structure, and ambition to the newly formed council. Many noted that his extensive experience in sectors such as cement production, fertilizer, petrochemicals, and manufacturing places him in a unique position to articulate the challenges and opportunities faced by regional industries.
Next Steps for the Council
The ECOWAS Business Council is expected to begin work immediately, starting with consultations across member states to gather insights from private-sector groups. Priority areas include:
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Enhancing intra-regional trade
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Coordinating policies to improve supply-chain systems
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Promoting energy and infrastructure development
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Supporting SMEs to expand beyond national markets
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Strengthening regional capital markets and investment platforms
Dangote affirmed that the council’s goal is not only to strengthen economies but also to improve the livelihoods of millions across West Africa. He pledged that the council would adopt a transparent, inclusive, and pragmatic approach to delivering measurable outcomes.