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    March 12-14, 2025 • Abuja, Nigeria

    Driving Regional Prosperity Through Trade and Innovation

    WAES 2025 brought together heads of state, ministers, and investors to advance regional prosperity through trade integration and innovation.

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    15
    ECOWAS Member States Represented
    $50M+
    Investment Deals Under Negotiation
    9
    Heads of State in Attendance
    3,500+
    Total Registrations

    Summit Theme & Focus Areas

    WAES 2025 brought together heads of state, business leaders, and innovators to advance regional economic integration.

    Trade Integration

    Strengthening intra-African trade through policy harmonization and infrastructure development.

    Innovation & Tech

    Leveraging digital transformation and innovation to drive economic growth.

    Sustainable Development

    Balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social inclusion.

    Speakers

    Only speakers with verified summit portraits are shown.

    Heads of State & Presidential Representatives

    H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

    Opening Address: "West Africa First – Seizing the Moment"

    Nigeria

    H.E. President Joseph Boakai

    Presidential Statement

    Liberia

    H.E. President Julius Maada Bio

    Presidential Statement

    Sierra Leone

    H.E. President Patrice Talon

    Presidential Statement

    Benin

    Keynote & Goodwill Speakers

    H.E. Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON

    Welcome Address & Convener's Remarks

    Nigeria

    H.E. Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

    Official Summit Launch Address

    Nigeria

    H.E. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole

    Keynote: "One Market: Intra-West Africa Trade & Tariff"

    Nigeria

    Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs

    Keynote: "Unlocking West Africa: A New Era of Integration and Growth"

    Earth Institute

    H.E. Amina Mohammed

    Goodwill Message

    UN Deputy Secretary-General

    H.E. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

    Goodwill Message

    WTO Director-General

    H.E. Wale Edun

    Goodwill Message

    Nigeria

    Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote

    Special Address on Digital Identity

    NIMC

    Mr. Khalil Halilu

    Goodwill Message on Science & Engineering

    NASENI

    Panelists & Moderators

    Only panelists with verified summit portraits are shown.

    Panel I: Overcoming Barriers to Harnessing AfCFTA

    Moderator
    Yvonne Ike
    Moderator — Bank of America
    H.E. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole
    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria
    H.E. Dr. Shadiya Alimatou Assouman
    Minister of Industry and Commerce, Benin
    Dr. Abubakar Suleiman
    MD/CEO, Sterling Bank
    Mr. Farouk Gumel
    GMD/CEO, TGI Group
    Mr. Matthew Stevenson
    World Economic Forum
    Mr. Jubril Enakele
    CEO, Iron Capital Partners

    Panel II: Global Competition, Scaling Exports & Port Reforms

    Moderator
    Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim Bako
    Moderator — Baze University
    Mr. John Olajide
    Chairman, Corporate Council on Africa
    Mr. Nura Dan Musa
    CEO, Country Real Estate
    Dr. Tayo Aduloju
    CEO, NESG

    Panel III: Future of Energy & Power Security

    Moderator
    Dora Cudjoe
    Moderator — Climate Investment Funds
    Dr. Jakkie Cilliers
    Institute for Security Studies
    Mr. Ibrahim Abdullah Shelleng
    SSA on Climate Finance, Nigeria
    Mr. Sediko Douka
    Commissioner, ECOWAS Commission
    Mr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz
    Chairman, West African Power Pool

    Panel IV: Regional Access, Visa, Identity & Mobility

    Moderator
    Dapo Oyewole
    Moderator — SSA on International Cooperation, Nigeria
    H.E. Hannatu Musa Musawa
    Minister of Arts, Culture & Creative Economy, Nigeria
    H.E. Olushegun Bakari
    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Benin
    Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote
    DG/CEO, NIMC
    Mr. Obi Asika
    DG, National Council for Arts and Culture
    Mr. Roosevelt Elias
    Founder, Payable Technologies
    Mr. Chidozie Arinze
    Visa

    Panel V: Financing Transformation of Commodity Value Chains

    Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga
    Chairman, NGX Group
    Engr. Michael Olu Abayomi
    CEO, PCNGI
    Ms. Habiba Suleiman
    TGI Group
    Dr. Dahiru Muhammad
    Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Tech Transfer

    Key Outcomes & Impact

    Concrete results that will shape West Africa's economic trajectory

    Garki Declaration Adopted

    The Blueprint for Regional Prosperity was adopted on June 21, 2025, in Garki, Abuja, with 12 key resolutions covering regional integration, trade targets, food security, infrastructure, youth innovation, and peace & stability.

    Youth Innovation Fund Launched

    $10M fund established to support young entrepreneurs and innovators across West Africa with grants, mentorship, and market access.

    Regional Investment Pipeline ($50M)

    $50M in investment projects entered the WAES Deal Room pipeline, connecting investors with opportunities in energy, agritech, and infrastructure.

    Infrastructure & Food Security Pacts

    Major agreements signed on trans-regional infrastructure projects and food security frameworks to enhance supply chain resilience.

    Communiqué & Official Documents

    Access the Garki Declaration, Prosperity Tracker, and official summit documents

    What Delegates Said

    "

    WAES 2025 was a watershed moment for regional cooperation. The outcomes will shape West Africa's economic future for decades.

    Hon. Sekou Diarra
    Minister of Trade, Mali
    "

    The Deal Room connected us with 12 strategic partners. This summit delivers real results beyond the conference halls.

    Sarah Adeyemi
    CEO, Coastal Energy Solutions

    Summit Gallery

    Snapshots from plenary sessions, exhibitions, and signing ceremonies

    Join Us at WAES 2027

    Be part of the next chapter in West Africa's economic transformation. Get updates on the 2027 Summit.