Sierra Leonean President and current Chairman of ECOWAS, Julius Maada Bio, has secured the support of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest businessman, for the upcoming West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS).

President Bio announced the development following a meeting with the founder and CEO of the Dangote Group. In a statement shared on his official X account, Bio described the engagement as “inspiring,” expressing his excitement over Dangote’s commitment to the regional economic agenda.”

Aliko’s leadership in the new ECOWAS Business Council represents a significant milestone,” President Bio stated. “I look forward to working with him and the Council to position WAIIS as a leading, sustainable, and private-sector-driven platform.”

The meeting with Dangote, who currently chairs the newly operationalized ECOWAS Business Council, marks another major endorsement for WAIIS.

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The summit, scheduled for November 16–18, 2026, aims to accelerate economic integration across West Africa by mobilizing both public and private sector investments. It is being convened at a historic moment as ECOWAS marks 50 years since its establishment in 1975.

Dangote’s backing closely follows a similar pledge from prominent African business leader and philanthropist Tony Elumelu, who recently met with President Bio in Abuja. Elumelu committed to supporting the summit financially and mobilizing other private sector leaders to help translate policy frameworks into tangible economic impact.

Spearheaded by President Bio and supported by Special Envoy Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, WAIIS focuses on advancing four interconnected strategic pillars: Energy trade and industrial growth, Strategic minerals and natural resource development, Agribusiness and food systems transformation and Digital transformation and connectivity.