By Adenike Lawal
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially welcomed West African leaders, global investors, and top business executives to Abuja for the first-ever West Africa Economic Summit, describing it as a defining moment for regional unity and economic transformation.
Although President Tinubu is expected to attend in person on Saturday, he addressed participants via his verified X account, @officialABAT, on the opening day of the summit.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to advancing regional economic integration and fostering cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
“As part of my promise to spearhead a regional economic dialogue that capitalizes on West Africa’s shared strengths and opportunities, I welcome fellow Heads of State, global investors, business leaders, and citizens to Abuja for the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit, which begins today,” he wrote.
The two-day summit, themed “One Voice, One Future,” brings together representatives from ECOWAS countries, international development agencies, multinational financial institutions, and major private sector players.
The agenda focuses on regional trade, infrastructure, innovation, and investment-led growth.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu has consistently promoted economic collaboration as part of his broader Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economic influence and supporting sustainable development across West Africa.
“West Africa is speaking with one voice, one future,” Tinubu reiterated in a follow-up post, capturing the spirit of regional solidarity that defines the summit.
The event is taking place at the newly named Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and features policy forums, investment matchmaking sessions, and panel discussions on key economic sectors.
Participating countries are showcasing reform initiatives and projects aligned with the region’s development goals.
Organized by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit highlights Nigeria’s leadership role in positioning West Africa as a key investment destination, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
More than a gathering, the West Africa Economic Summit signals a bold step toward reshaping the region’s economic destiny.
