ECOWAS Prepares To Launch Business Council To Empower West African Private Sector
The ECOWAS Commission has taken a major step towards deepening regional economic integration with the preparatory meeting for the launch of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC), held in Abuja.
Convened by the Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, the internal consultative session brought together key directors and technical leads from across the Commission to fine-tune the final framework for the EBC set to become the region’s highest decision-making body representing the private sector.
Standing in for Commissioner Massandjé Touré-Litse, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Director of Private Sector, underscored the Council’s mission to drive regional economic growth, attract investment, and boost competitiveness.
He noted that stringent membership requirements and thorough screening of nominated businesses were already in motion to ensure only the most credible voices will shape the Council’s work.
“This isn’t just another ECOWAS programme,” said Dr Elumelu. “The EBC will be a platform where the business community’s input truly counts—helping us create policies that work for real-world commerce across West Africa.”
Opening the meeting, Director of Trade, Mr Kolawole Sofola, hailed the initiative as a long-overdue move to align ECOWAS with other regional economic communities that already have active business councils.
He stressed that the EBC would be vital in championing private sector interests and boosting regional integration.
Mr Chris Appiah, Director for Transport, also called for the creation of a sustained communication channel between the Council and ECOWAS institutions, ensuring that private sector concerns are consistently addressed.
With the official launch of the ECOWAS Business Council slated for later this year, today’s meeting marks a turning point in giving West African businesses a stronger voice in regional decision-making.
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