News Investigators/ The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), scheduled to be officially unveiled in September, will unlock regional private sector potential and deepen economic growth.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandjé Toure-Litse, stated this at a steering committee preparatory meeting of the EBC on Thursday in Abuja ahead of its official unveiling in September.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EBC is projected to become the subregion’s private sector’s apex decision-making body, mandated to drive economic integration, stimulate investment, and reposition ECOWAS as a global investment destination.
The steering committee meeting was held to avail stakeholders the opportunity to thoroughly review all preparatory documents and evaluate the region’s readiness for the official milestone unveiling of the EBC.
Represented by the ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, Tony Elumelu, the Commissioner described the meeting as an important milestone in the journey toward the full realisation of the EBC.
Mr Elumelu urged members of the committee to critically evaluate the documents developed by the ECOWAS Commission and contribute constructively toward ensuring a robust and successful EBC inauguration.
“The Council, as established by Regulation C/REG.9/6/21 of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, is designed to serve as the private sector’s voice and strategic partner in our regional integration agenda,” Elumelu said.
Also speaking, Mr Gerard Amangou, Chairman, Technical Working Group (TWG), lauded ECOWAS for its responsiveness and commitment to the recommendations, which were earlier made at a meeting held on August 5.
He underscored the necessity of confirming the timeline for the unveiling of the EBC with the management of ECOWAS to solidify its planning and logistics.
Dr Mansur Ahmed of the Dangote Group, a key voice in West Africa’s industrial ecosystem, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting ECOWAS and the Steering Committee.
He noted that timely implementation was critical to demonstrating seriousness and fostering investor confidence.
When inaugurated, EBC will become the primary platform for private sector engagement, providing strategic input into policy formulation, drive regional trade promotion, and foster sustainable economic development through cross-border investments.
It will also be a catalyst for public-private collaboration, enabling business leaders to play a more central role in shaping economic policies and driving regional competitiveness on the global stage.
NAN also reports that the preparatory meeting was attended by members of the TWG, high-level representatives from the Dangote Group, and ECOWAS Permanent Mission to Nigeria, among others.
NAN
