Preparatory meeting for the launch the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC)

On July 29, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission’s Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture held an internal consultative meeting in Abuja to prepare for the official launch of the ECOWAS Business Council (EBC). The EBC is intended to serve as the highest decision-making body representing the private sector within the region.

The meeting, attended by key directors and representatives from relevant ECOWAS directorates, focused on reviewing the EBC’s framework—approved by the Authority of Heads of State and Government—and outlining the roadmap for its formal launch later in 2025.

Representing Commissioner Massandjé Touré-Litse, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Director of Private Sector, highlighted the EBC’s goal of driving regional economic growth, attracting investment, and boosting competitiveness. He confirmed that all establishment procedures have been followed, including the formation of a committee to define stringent membership criteria and the rigorous screening of nominated business entities to ensure only the most qualified join the Council.

He highlighted the importance of the consultative meeting as an opportunity to harness collective wisdom and experience to shape a Council that truly reflects the interests of the region’s business community. In the EBC internal consultative meeting, participants were urged to provide unreserved feedback, constructive criticism, and innovative ideas to help ensure that the EBC is effective, inclusive and responsive to the needs of businesses across the region.

Declaring the meeting open, the Director of Trade, Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, commended the Program Directorate for its efforts in spearheading the establishment of the ECOWAS Business Council, as mandated by the Authority of Heads of State. He noted that, like other Regional Economic Communities (RECs), ECOWAS is now set to establish its own Business Council to represent private sector interests and drive regional integration for sustainable development and economic prosperity in West Africa.

Also speaking at the event, the ECOWAS Director for Transport, Mr. Chris APPIAH, stressed the importance of establishing a permanent platform for ongoing communication between the ECOWAS Directorates and the Business Council to effectively address private sector concerns.