Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership role in regional economic integration as it prepares to host the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) 2025, scheduled for June 20–21 at the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC). The announcement was made today by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), during a Pre-Summit Media Parley held at the Minister’s Conference Room in Abuja.
Speaking to journalists and media stakeholders, Tuggar expressed Nigeria’s pride in hosting the summit under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, emphasizing the nation’s strategic commitment to advancing regional trade, investment, and cooperation across West Africa.
“This important regional gathering is designed to serve as a strategic platform for shaping the economic future of our sub-region,” Tuggar said, noting the summit’s theme: “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region.”
Driving Regional Growth and Unity
WAES 2025 is expected to bring together Heads of State, Ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth innovators from across the West African region and beyond. According to Tuggar, the summit is a solutions-oriented initiative aimed at deepening regional integration and unlocking economic opportunities.
The Minister outlined four strategic objectives of the summit:
- Establishing a harmonised trade policy to remove barriers to intra-African commerce;
- Mobilising resources for infrastructure, energy, and logistics;
- Promoting inclusive economic growth with a focus on women, youth, and SMEs;
- Enhancing resilience through innovation, institutional reforms, and strategic partnerships.
Key Summit Features
The two-day event will include:
- Presidential Roundtable and CEO Forum: High-level dialogue between regional leaders and corporate executives, culminating in a Joint Communiqué outlining shared priorities.
- WAES Deal Room: A dedicated platform for Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions in key sectors such as infrastructure, agribusiness, renewable energy, and digital finance.
- West Africa Business Expo: Featuring over 100 investment-ready SMEs and regional development projects, reinforcing private sector engagement under the AfCFTA.
- Youth and Cultural Empowerment Series: Including a West Africa Art Exhibition, Innovation Pitch, and Youth Leadership Panels showcasing the region’s creative energy and entrepreneurial potential.
A Commitment to Regional Integration
Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS ideals and Agenda 2063, affirming that WAES 2025 aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals of fostering a borderless, peaceful, and economically integrated West Africa.
He stressed that the summit will address:
- Cross-border trade facilitation and logistics;
- Regional macroeconomic stability;
- Institutional cooperation and governance reforms.
“Together, through WAES 2025, we take deliberate steps toward a prosperous, united, and globally competitive West Africa,” Tuggar said.
In his closing remarks, the Minister thanked the media for their continued national and regional coverage and called on them to amplify the summit’s objectives and outcomes.
“Let’s tell the world our story,” he concluded.
WAES 2025 promises to be a defining moment in the region’s economic journey, and Nigeria is poised to lead the charge toward a more connected and resilient West African economy.
