Tinubu champions borderless, prosperous West Africa ahead of economic summit
By Ukpono Ukpong
President Bola Tinubu is spearheading a bold push for a borderless and economically vibrant West Africa, as the country prepares to host the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja from June 20 to 21.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region,” will serve as a high-level platform to chart a new economic direction for the region.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, announced Nigeria’s readiness to host the landmark event at the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Center.
“It is with a deep sense of honour and responsibility that I announce Nigeria’s readiness to host the West Africa Economic Summit 2025 under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” he stated.
According to the Minister, the summit will bring together Heads of State, Ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth innovators from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on building a robust and inclusive regional economy.
“This important regional gathering is designed to serve as a strategic platform for shaping the economic future of our region,” he added.
Tuggar emphasized that the West African region’s long-term development, peace, and prosperity are best pursued through regional cooperation and economic integration.
READ ALSO: TikToker Jarvis Opens Up on Childhood Struggles, Forced Labor
“As a government, we recognise the sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in West Africa are best achieved through enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration,” he said, stressing that “economic integration requires active participation of the private sector and cannot be exclusively state-centric.”
He outlined the strategic objectives of WAES 2025, describing it as a “solutions-oriented initiative that seeks to establish a harmonized trade policy framework to eliminate barriers to intra-African commerce and investment.”
Other goals include mobilizing resources for critical infrastructure, improving the free movement of goods and people, and promoting inclusive growth that empowers women, youth, and SMEs.
The summit is also set to feature a presidential roundtable and a CEO forum, alongside a high-level dialogue between Heads of State and business leaders.
“This will culminate in a joint communique that articulates shared regional priorities and a concrete plan of action,” Tuggar explained.
Another major highlight will be the WAES Deal Room, a dedicated platform for Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions aimed at securing landmark investment deals across infrastructure, agribusiness, renewable energy, and digital finance.
In addition, the West Africa Business Expo will showcase over 100 investment-ready SMEs and regional development projects, reinforcing the role of the private sector in driving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Minister also revealed plans for a Youth and Cultural Empowerment Series, featuring events such as the West Africa Art Exhibition, Innovation Pitch, and Youth Leadership Panels.
“These will showcase the region’s rich creative energy and the ingenuity of our youth,” he said.
Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
“WAES 2025 is a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS vision of a borderless, peaceful, and economically integrated West Africa,” he noted.
“It aligns seamlessly with continental objectives under the Agenda 2063 of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
The Minister extended an official invitation on behalf of President Tinubu to regional leaders, investors, and civil society.
“Mr. President has directed that special envoys are dispatched to his colleagues, other leaders in the region, and they have since delivered the invitations in person,” Tuggar disclosed.
“This summit will be a landmark moment in West Africa’s economic evolution.” He said.
