Dangote Appointed First Chairman of ECOWAS Business Council

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has been named the pioneer Chairman of the newly established ECOWAS Business Council (EBC).

The appointment was announced on Wednesday by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, during the opening session of the 95th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in Abuja.

Touray noted that Dangote was chosen because of his extensive experience in business across West Africa and the wider African continent. He said the EBC was created to strengthen private-sector participation, enhance regional trade, attract investment, and promote economic integration by connecting businesses with policymakers across the region.

According to him, the Council will serve as a platform for private sector leaders to discuss regional development, deepen economic cooperation, and foster partnerships between businesses, government agencies, and ECOWAS institutions.

Touray also highlighted growing interest in intra-regional investment, citing business forums held this year in Senegal, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. He stressed the need for West African countries to mobilise domestic capital instead of relying on unstable foreign investments.

“With the kind of investments we have seen from the likes of Alhaji Dangote, our private sector can drive the development of our region, if given the right incentives and opportunities,” he said.

Key issues on the agenda at the Council of Ministers meeting include the community’s annual work programme and budget, ECOWAS’ financial status, implementation of the community levy protocol, and reports from the Auditor General and Audit Committee.

ECOWAS Applauds Nigeria for Foiling Attempted Coup in Benin Republic

In a separate development, ECOWAS has commended Nigeria for its swift intervention that helped prevent an attempted military coup in the Benin Republic.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the opening of the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC), Dr. Touray said Nigeria’s rapid deployment of support forces was crucial in safeguarding President Patrice Talon’s government.

He warned that recent events highlight rising political risks in the region.

“For the speed and commitment shown, Nigeria deserves a standing ovation. This is what regional solidarity should look like if we are truly committed to protecting democracy,” he said.