The ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandje Toure Litsé, has urged the members of the technical committee responsible for selecting members of the proposed ECOWAS Regional Business Council (EBC) to ensure that the Council is inclusive and reflects the diversity of businesses in the region.
During a three-day meeting of the committee in Abuja on Monday 5 August 2024, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of the proposed Council as a key body that will influence the region’s economic direction by focusing on competitiveness and investment to drive growth and development.
In a message delivered by Private Sector Director Dr Tony Elumelu, the Commissioner highlighted the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) signed in 2018, which presents new opportunities for businesses to access markets, increase trade, and attract foreign direct investment.
To achieve these objectives, the Commissioner stressed the need to engage stakeholders, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are vital to member states’ economies.
She also emphasized the importance of involving prominent business leaders in the EBC, ensuring representation from all sectors and sizes of businesses, with a specific focus on MSMEs to address their unique needs.
The Commissioner urged the technical committee members to prioritize principles such as representation, inclusivity, competitiveness, and influence in selecting EBC members to help ECOWAS achieve its goal of creating a prosperous and inclusive regional business environment.
Acting Chairman of the Technical Working Group, Mr Gerald Amangwa, highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in the development process and expressed confidence that the three-day conference would address outstanding issues and pave the way for the Council’s inauguration by December 2024.
During the meeting, the committee will discuss the composition, structure, operations, and requirements for launching and operationalizing the EBC, among other important topics.
Press Release distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).