Nigeria is preparing to host the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja from June 20 to 21, a major event set to bring together leaders from government, business, development agencies, and innovative young minds across West Africa and beyond.
The summit will be held at the Abuja International Conference Centre, spotlighting the region’s efforts to boost trade, attract investment, and foster sustainable development.
Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the summit aims to address critical barriers to trade within West Africa. Key discussions will centre on reducing restrictions and streamlining processes to ease the movement of goods and people across borders.
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Participants are expected to focus heavily on improving infrastructure, energy supply, and transportation networks, sectors essential for creating a more connected and economically vibrant region.
Beyond infrastructure, the summit places strong emphasis on inclusive growth. It will explore ways to empower women, young entrepreneurs, and small business owners by fostering environments where innovation and collaboration can thrive.
This approach is designed to ensure that the economic benefits of progress reach all levels of society, providing opportunities for a wider range of stakeholders.
In addition to plenary sessions, private meetings will be held between heads of state and leading business executives. These talks are intended to establish clear regional priorities and develop actionable strategies for shared economic success.
The summit seeks to produce a unified plan that will guide West African countries toward greater cooperation and prosperity.
A standout feature of the event will be the Deal Room, a platform dedicated to connecting governments with private investors.
Here, opportunities across key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, digital finance, and infrastructure development will be showcased.
This initiative aims to unlock new investments and partnerships that can drive long-term growth and innovation throughout West Africa.
