The chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has been selected to become the pioneer chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) business council (EBC).
Omar Touray, ECOWAS commission president, announced the billionaire’s selection at the opening ceremony of the 95th ordinary session of the ECOWAS council of ministers in Abuja yesterday.
The EBC aims to strengthen private sector engagement and boost subregional trade.
Speaking at the event, Touray said the development comes as the bloc moves to operationalise its business council.
He said Dangote was chosen for his vast experience in doing business within the subregion and across Africa.
“I’m happy to report that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has accepted this regional role,” the commission president said.
“Through the council, we hope to bring the private sector actors around the table as we discuss economic integration and development of our region.
“In this regard, the business council will facilitate dialogue and partnership between the private sector, governments, and the ECOWAS institution.”