Nigeria set to Host West Africa Economic Summit 2025 to Promote Trade, Investment Across the Region.
By Raymond Enoch
In a major diplomatic and economic step, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed Nigeria’s preparedness to host the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) 2025, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The summit, set for June 20–21 at the Abuja International Conference Centre, a Summit that promises to be a transformational gathering aimed at reshaping the sub-region’s economic destiny.
With the theme, “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region,” WAES 2025 is poised to become the region’s premier forum for strategic dialogue and investment facilitation among Heads of State, ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth innovators.
“WAES 2025 reflects our belief that sustainable development, peace, and prosperity in West Africa are best achieved through enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration,” said Ambassador Tuggar in a formal statement released Tuesday.
WAES 2025 will address urgent challenges in trade, infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability, with key strategic objectives including:
A harmonised regional trade policy to eliminate intra-African barriers;
Mobilisation of capital for infrastructure, energy, and logistics;
Empowerment of women, youth, and SMEs to spur inclusive growth;
Strengthening regional resilience through innovation and reforms.
The two-day event will feature a Presidential Roundtable and CEO Forum, designed to align public-private priorities, followed by a Joint Communiqué outlining actionable outcomes.
Another anticipated highlight is The WAES Deal Room, an investment matchmaking platform connecting governments and businesses to unlock multi-sector funding opportunities in renewable energy, digital finance, agribusiness, and more.
Private Sector and Youth at the Core
The West Africa Business Expo will spotlight over 100 SMEs and development projects, while the Youth and Cultural Empowerment Series will host the West Africa Art Exhibition, Innovation Pitch Sessions, and Leadership Panels, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial energy of the region’s young population.
Nigeria’s Vision for Regional Leadership
Minister Tuggar emphasized that WAES 2025 is a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The summit aims to foster.
Regional macroeconomic stability;
Enhanced institutional cooperation and good governance.
“Through WAES 2025, we are taking deliberate steps toward a prosperous, united, and globally competitive West Africa,” Tuggar stated, calling on regional stakeholders, development partners, and civil society to join hands in Abuja.
As the countdown begins, expectations are high that this landmark summit will deliver actionable solutions and catalytic investments that drive West Africa into a new era of shared prosperity.
