ECOWAS Moves To Unlock Private Sector Power With Business Council Drive
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As governments across West Africa seek new pathways to accelerate growth, experts increasingly agree that deeper regional integration cannot succeed without a vibrant and influential private sector.
Recognising this reality, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is intensifying efforts to place businesses at the heart of its economic transformation agenda.
In a significant move aimed at strengthening regional economic cooperation, the ECOWAS Commission has advanced plans to operationalise the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC) through a high-level engagement with renowned industrialist and Chairman of the Council, Aliko Dangote.
The strategic meeting took place at the Dangote Group headquarters in Lagos and underscored the regional bloc’s commitment to fostering stronger collaboration between policymakers and the private sector.
The ECOWAS delegation was led by Dr. Kalilou Sylla, alongside Dr. Habib Yaya Bappah.
They were accompanied by Gerard Amoi Amangoua, Technical President of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the ECOWAS Business Council, and other members of the group.
Discussions centred on accelerating the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Business Council, a strategic platform established to enhance private sector participation in implementing the regional market agenda and driving economic integration across the West African sub-region.
The Council is expected to serve as a bridge between governments and businesses, helping to address trade barriers, stimulate investment, promote industrialisation and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth across member states.
Observers believe the initiative could play a crucial role in unlocking the region’s vast economic potential by ensuring that private sector voices are actively involved in shaping policies that affect trade, investment and competitiveness within the ECOWAS market.
The latest engagement signals a renewed determination by ECOWAS to transform regional integration from policy aspirations into tangible economic benefits for businesses and citizens across West Africa.
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