By Forum staff writer
Honourable Dr Kandeh K Yumkella has concluded a high level diplomatic mission to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as part of preparations for the upcoming ECOWAS Integration and Investment Summit, following his appointment as Special Envoy by President Julius Maada Bio.
The visit to Abuja marks the first stop in a broader round of consultations across the ECOWAS region aimed at advancing discussions and building consensus ahead of the landmark summit. The event is expected to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States and is designed to reposition regional integration around investment driven growth and shared prosperity.
According to officials, the summit seeks to revitalise West Africa’s economic agenda by attracting bankable investments and strengthening regional value chains across four strategic sectors. These include energy trade, strategic minerals, agribusiness and digital transformation. It will bring together Heads of State and Government, senior ministers, private sector leaders, development finance institutions and regional organisations to drive practical outcomes for the region.
During his consultations in Nigeria, Dr Yumkella led a delegation that engaged the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission, including its President Dr Omar Alieu Touray and Vice President Damtiens Larbli Tchintchibidja. The meetings focused on aligning institutional priorities and ensuring strong political and technical support for the summit.
The delegation also held extensive discussions with Commissioners and Directors of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as key officials of the Nigerian government. These included engagements with the Minister of Power and senior officials of the ministry, the Director General of the West Africa Power Pool, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals and his technical team.
Further meetings were held with the Executive Director of the West Africa Economic Summit Secretariat within Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director General of the African Development Bank in Nigeria, and senior executives of the Sustainable Energy for All office. The discussions centred on mobilising investment, strengthening regional cooperation and identifying priority projects capable of delivering measurable economic impact.
Officials said the consultations are part of a deliberate effort to redefine West Africa’s development pathway by unlocking investment in the region’s abundant natural resources. These resources are being positioned as drivers of industrial development, job creation and inclusive growth across member states.
The ECOWAS Integration and Investment Summit represents a shift toward action oriented regional integration, where political commitment is matched with structured economic collaboration and strategic partnerships. The aim is to move beyond policy dialogue and deliver concrete benefits that improve livelihoods across West Africa.
Dr Yumkella’s appointment as Special Envoy reflects President Bio’s renewed push for pragmatic regional leadership in his role as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. His mandate places strong emphasis on catalysing private sector led investment to accelerate economic integration.
Priority areas under this mandate include sustainable and clean energy, mineral beneficiation, agribusiness value chains and digital transformation. These sectors are viewed as critical to expanding e commerce, boosting cross border trade and fostering long term economic resilience throughout the sub region.
