Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has added yet another title to his already intimidating profile: First-Ever Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC). The announcement came on Wednesday in Abuja during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.
According to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, it was an easy choice. Who better understands West African business than the man who practically built half of the region’s cement, sugar, and refinery infrastructure?
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What Is the ECOWAS Business Council?
Think of the EBC as ECOWAS’ new “private sector parliament.” It’s an independent platform created to boost regional trade, deepen investment, and bridge the communication gap between policymakers and the people who actually run businesses in West Africa.
The Council will bring CEOs, investors, and business leaders into direct conversation with governments. This is something many entrepreneurs have been praying for since forever.
The goal is simple. Stop waiting for foreign investors and mobilise West Africa’s own capital to grow West Africa.
Touray noted that the increased appetite for intra-regional investment, from Senegal Invest to Côte d’Ivoire’s District Savanes forum, shows that West African businesses are ready to scale across borders.
Why Dangote?
Beyond being Africa’s richest man, Dangote has what ECOWAS describes as “vast experience doing business in the sub-region and across the continent.” What this means is his portfolio of plants, factories, trucks, investments, and influence in almost every country on the map.
Touray expressed confidence that Dangote as ECOWAS Business Council Chairman alongside other major players can lead West Africa’s next phase of economic integration, especially if governments provide the right incentives.
What’s Next?
At the same session, ECOWAS ministers also discussed big-ticket regional issues: the single currency project, trade liberalisation schemes, the West African Power Pool crisis, terrorism counterforce funding, and the community budget.
The EBC’s official launch is now in advanced stages. More so, with Dangote in the driver’s seat, West Africa’s private sector may finally get the push it has been waiting for.
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