The decision to launch the Council was one of the outcomes of the last meeting of the steering committee for the launch, the Technical Working Group, on Tuesday, 12th August 2025.
Under the Regulation establishing the Council, it is expected to help foster economic growth, promote investment, and enhance the attraction to the region and its competitiveness as a preferred investment destination.
At the opening of the meeting, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, stressed the necessity of the Council to help drive private sector involvement in the region’s integration.
The Commissioner, who was represented by Dr. Tony Luka ELUMELU, Director of Private Sector, described the meeting as an important milestone in the journey to realisation of the Council, which was established by the region’s Council of Ministers vide Regulation C/REG.9/6/21 as the pivot for mobilising the private sector in ECOWAS integration.
She noted that the objective of the meeting was to review the current status of implementation, assess readiness, and finalise preparations for the EBC’s formal inauguration and urged the Group to carefully review the various documents prepared by the Commission and offer constructive criticisms in order to ensure a successful launch.
In his speech, Mr. Gerard Amangou, the Chairman of the TWG, commended the Program Directorate for diligently following the recommendations of the last meeting of August 5, 2025 and stressed the need to confirm the proposed launch date with the management of the ECOWAS Commission.
Engr. Dr. Mansur Ahmed of the Dangote Group underscored the importance of timely action to ensure a successful launch. He reaffirmed the Dangote Group’s commitment to supporting the ECOWAS Commission and the Steering Committee in their efforts to realise the objectives of the EBC.
The one-day meeting provided an opportunity for representatives from the Office of the President, Dangote Group, ECOWAS Permanent Mission to Nigeria, and the Technical Working Group to collectively review the draft documents and assess overall readiness for the EBC’s launch later in 2025.
The ECOWAS Business Council, once inaugurated, will serve as a central platform for private sector engagement, driving policy dialogue, and promoting intra-regional trade and investment across the ECOWAS Member States.
