In a notable display of regional diplomacy, Nigeria has extended official invitations to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to attend the upcoming 2025 West Africa Economic Summit, despite the trio’s formal withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, made the announcement during a press briefing on Monday, emphasizing that the exit of these nations from ECOWAS did not diminish their importance to West Africa’s collective development goals.
Breaking Political Barriers for Economic Unity
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger finalized their exit from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following months of political tension and after rejecting a six-month extension offered by the regional bloc. The three countries had previously declared their intention to withdraw and later formed the Alliance of Sahel States, signaling a shift in regional alignments.
However, Minister Tuggar underscored that political divergence should not impede economic collaboration.
“These nations remain our neighbours, our partners, and integral stakeholders in the future of West Africa’s economic transformation,” he said.
According to him, special envoys personally delivered the summit invitations on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive regional progress.
Summit to Foster Inclusive Growth and Innovation
The 2025 West Africa Economic Summit is scheduled to take place at the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre. It is expected to convene heads of state, government ministers, business leaders, development agencies, and young innovators from across the sub-region.
Tuggar noted that the summit seeks to engage all West African countries, not just ECOWAS members, in shaping the region’s economic future.
“Trade does not stop because of membership status,” he emphasized, citing the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission as a model for ongoing collaboration beyond ECOWAS structures.
Economic Integration Beyond Borders
Despite recent political realignments, Nigeria maintains active partnerships with all three nations through bilateral initiatives, cross-border infrastructure projects, and informal trade ties. Minister Tuggar assured that such ties remain unaffected by their ECOWAS withdrawal.
“Business activities, cross-border trade, and infrastructure collaborations with Burkina Faso and Mali remain ongoing,” he added.
The summit aims to broaden regional cooperation by highlighting the role of private sector players and youth innovators in driving sustainable growth and integration across West Africa.
A Vision for a Borderless Economic Future
Themed around regional economic integration and inclusive prosperity, the summit will feature:
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A presidential roundtable
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Business-to-government and business-to-business engagements
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An investment expo
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Cultural showcases and youth empowerment events
Tuggar concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to regional unity:
“This summit reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the vision of a peaceful, borderless, and economically integrated West Africa. We invite all stakeholders to join us in shaping a shared future, regardless of political affiliations.”
The 2025 West Africa Economic Summit is poised to be a landmark event—one that bridges political divides and fosters economic synergy in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.
