Nigeria’s President and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed regional leaders, global investors, and business leaders to Abuja for the first-ever West Africa Economic Summit (WAES), calling the gathering a crucial move to harness the region’s economic opportunities through solidarity and strategic partnership.
President Tinubu who is to attend the summit in person on Saturday, via his verified X handle, @officialABAT, extended warm greetings to all participants arriving for the opening day.
He expressed confidence in the potential of the summit to reshape the economic future of West Africa.
In keeping with my promise to convene a regional economic summit leveraging the opportunities and strengths of the West African economy, I welcome fellow Heads of Government, regional and international business executives, global investors, and the public to Abuja for the… pic.twitter.com/IePI8NFtTR
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) June 20, 2025
“In keeping with my promise to convene a regional economic summit leveraging the opportunities and strengths of the West African economy, I welcome fellow Heads of Government, regional and international business executives, global investors, and the public to Abuja for the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit starting today,” the President posted.
The WAES themem: “One Voice, One Future”, is bringing together heads of state from ECOWAS member countries, global finance leaders, private sector giants, and development partners to explore new pathways for economic integration, trade facilitation, and shared prosperity across the West African sub-region.
President Tinubu, in his role as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has actively promoted greater regional collaboration across West Africa and the development of cross-border investment frameworks.
This effort is a key component of his wider foreign policy and economic vision outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda
“West Africa is speaking with #OneVoiceOneFuture,” the President stated in his Friday post, reinforcing the unifying message that has defined the build-up to the summit.
The West Africa Economic Summit, holding at the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, will feature policy dialogues, investment fair, panel discussions on infrastructure and innovation, and country-specific presentations on investment opportunities.
Delegations from the West Africa region are anticipated to present national initiatives and reforms that support the region’s development goals.
Hosted by President Tinubu and organized by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event aims to establish West Africa as a prime destination for international investment while strengthening regional trade connections in accordance with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).