The Economic Community of West African State, ECOWAS, will launch its ECOWAS Business Council, EBC, in September 2025, aiming to boost private sector growth, attract investment, and drive economic integration across the region.
The EBC will serve as the highest decision-making body for the regional private sector, bringing together 21 members to strengthen public-private partnerships, fuel economic development, and foster competitiveness across all ECOWAS member states.
Recent stakeholder meetings with representatives from governments, business leaders, and regional institutions focused on finalizing preparations. ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, described the EBC as crucial for unlocking the private sector’s potential and deepening cooperation among member countries.
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Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, ECOWAS Director of Private Sector, said the Council will act as the strategic voice of businesses, influencing policy, promoting cross-border trade, and supporting investment flows needed for long-term growth.
The initiative responds to challenges such as unstable government policies, unreliable power supply, insecurity, and poor infrastructure key barriers to business expansion in West Africa. Industry figures, including Engr. Dr. Mansur Ahmed of the Dangote Group, have backed the move, stressing that timely implementation will boost investor confidence.
Aligned with ECOWAS’ broader goals, the EBC will work to reduce unemployment, especially among youth, by promoting sectors like industrial agriculture, renewable energy, and digital technology. It also supports the African Continental Free Trade Area vision of a unified African market.
By institutionalizing private sector engagement at the highest level, ECOWAS aims to make businesses an indispensable partner in shaping policies and driving regional growth. The September launch is expected to mark a turning point for economic collaboration and investment in West Africa.
NAN
