The Economic Community of West African States has appointed Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote as the first ever chairman of its newly created Business Council, a move aimed at strengthening private sector participation and accelerating economic integration across West Africa.

The appointment was confirmed through an official statement from ECOWAS, describing the council as a strategic platform that will connect business leaders with policymakers to reduce trade barriers and promote regional industrial growth.

As chairman, Dangote is expected to lead efforts to improve cross border trade, attract investment and create stronger supply chains among member states. The Business Council itself is designed to serve as a bridge between governments and private sector operators, offering practical solutions to long standing challenges facing regional commerce.

The development has been widely described as a major step in repositioning the private sector as a central driver of economic transformation in West Africa.

Aliko Dangote is recognised as Africa’s richest man and one of Nigeria’s most influential industrialists through his leadership of the Dangote Group. His business empire spans cement production, oil refining, sugar, salt, fertiliser and logistics, with operations across multiple African countries.

Regional and Business Community Reactions to the Appointment

Following the announcement, political and business leaders across West Africa welcomed Dangote’s emergence as chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council. Many stakeholders expressed optimism that his experience in building large scale industries could help unlock new trade opportunities and improve the ease of doing business across the region.

Experts noted that regional trade within West Africa remains below its potential due to infrastructure gaps, border delays and inconsistent regulatory frameworks. They believe that a business focused council could help identify practical reforms faster than traditional government led processes.

The council is also expected to work closely with small and medium enterprises, which make up a significant portion of the region’s economy. By creating better access to finance, improving market connectivity and driving innovation, the ECOWAS Business Council hopes to raise the competitiveness of local businesses.

Social media reactions across Nigeria and neighbouring countries reflected a mix of pride and high expectations. Many users described the appointment as well deserved, while others called for tangible outcomes that will improve trade conditions and job creation across the sub region.

ECOWAS officials stated that the council will hold its first series of stakeholder meetings in the coming months, where key areas of focus will be outlined and working groups formed.

For many observers, the appointment of Aliko Dangote represents a symbolic shift toward deeper collaboration between governments and the private sector in tackling economic challenges in West Africa.

As implementation begins, business operators and policymakers alike will be watching closely to see how the council translates plans into measurable regional growth.