ECOWAS has appointed Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote as the head of its newly operationalised ECOWAS Business Council (EBC). The announcement was made on Wednesday by commission president Omar Touray at the opening of the 95th ordinary session of the ECOWAS council of ministers in Abuja. Touray said Dangote was chosen for his extensive business experience across West Africa and the wider continent, adding, “I’m happy to report that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has accepted this regional role.”
Touray noted that the EBC was created to deepen private sector involvement, promote intra-regional investment, and enhance trade. He said the council will “facilitate dialogue and partnership between the private sector, governments, and the ECOWAS institutions.” He cited recent investment forums in Senegal, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, while revealing that Sierra Leone has proposed to host a similar summit. Touray expressed confidence in Dangote’s ability to drive the council’s objectives.