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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the Chairman of ECOWAS Business Council (EBC).
The ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, announced this during the 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Touray said the development comes as a move to operationalise its business council.
“This appetite for intra-regional investment underscores the need to mobilise capital within our region to build our community, rather than wait for precarious foreign investments.
He explained that the Nigerian billionaire’s choice was based on his extensive business experience across the continent.
“I am confident that with the kind of investments we have seen from the likes of Alhaji Dangote, our regional private sector actors can lead the way in the development of our Community, if given the right incentives and opportunity”.
The President further urged ministers to examine the various memoranda that required their collective decision and consideration during the two-day meeting.
The Council is also expected to facilitate dialogue and partnerships among private sector players, government agencies, and ECOWAS institutions, among other things, on the agenda.
The EBC is an independent platform established by ECOWAS member states to strengthen private sector participation, expand regional trade, attract investment and drive economic integration by bridging the gap between businesses and policymakers across the subregion.
