Abuja: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced the upcoming unveiling of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC) scheduled for September, aimed at unlocking the potential of the regional private sector and enhancing economic growth. This announcement was made by Mrs Massandj© Toure-Litse, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, during a steering committee preparatory meeting in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the EBC is expected to become the leading decision-making body for the subregion’s private sector, with a mandate to drive economic integration, stimulate investment, and position ECOWAS as a global investment destination. The preparatory meeting allowed stakeholders to review necessary documents and assess the region’s readiness for the EBC’s formal launch.
Representing the Commissioner, Dr Tony Elumelu, ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, described the meeting as a significant step toward realizing the EBC. He encouraged committee members to evaluate the ECOWAS Commission’s documents critically and contribute constructively to ensure the EBC’s successful inauguration.
Elumelu emphasized that the EBC, established by Regulation C/REG.9/6/21 of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, is intended to act as the private sector’s representative and strategic partner in regional integration efforts.
Mr Gerard Amangou, Chairman of the Technical Working Group, praised ECOWAS for its commitment to previous recommendations and highlighted the importance of confirming the EBC’s unveiling timeline with ECOWAS management to enhance planning and logistics.
Dr Mansur Ahmed from the Dangote Group expressed the company’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS and the Steering Committee, stressing the importance of timely implementation to build investor confidence.
Upon its launch, the EBC will serve as the primary platform for private sector engagement, offering strategic input into policy formulation, promoting regional trade, and fostering sustainable economic development through cross-border investments. It will also facilitate public-private collaboration, enabling business leaders to play a central role in shaping economic policies and enhancing regional competitiveness globally.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reported that the preparatory meeting included members of the Technical Working Group, high-level representatives from the Dangote Group, and the ECOWAS Permanent Mission to Nigeria, among others.