Participatiants at the ongoing first West African Economic Summit in Abuja, Nigeria have advocated Africanism, adopting African solutions to address African problems.
The participatiants who spoke on the sidelines of the event stressed that as part of their expectations on the outcome of the West African Economic Summit, they encourage Participating countries to match words with actions.
Mr. Uche Enoh, a participatiant from Nigeria stated that the economic summit is timely and necessary for the development of the West African region.
He noted that the summit provides an avenue for transborder trade and urged participating countries to leverage on the opportunity to strengthen economic collaboration with countries, companies and individuals.
On her part, Mrs Karolina John from Ghana, said the summit provides a platform where African problems can be discussed.
“This First West African Economic Summit is a good step in the right direction.It provides an opportunity for West African countries to discuss its own problems and provide solutions to African problems rather than expecting others to provide their own concept of solutions to our own problems,” she Said
On his part, the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kemofas Kiniebi ,said the first West African Economic Summit taking place in Nigeria is the idea of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who feels it is time for African countries to discuss among themselves possible ways to enhance economic development within its region.
He said the aim of the 2025 West African Economic Summit, with the theme Unlocking Tade and Investment Opportunities in the Region, is designed to serve as a strategic platform for shaping the economic future of our region.
“The West Africa Economic Summit 2025 will convene heads of state, ministers, private sector, leaders, development partners and youth innovators from across West Africa and beyond.
As a government, we recognize that sustainable development, peace and prosperity in West Africa are best achieved through enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration,” he added.
Mr Kiniebi stressed that economic integration requires active partnership of the private sector and cannot be exclusively state-centric hence, the focus of West African Economic Summit 2025.
“The strategic objectives of the summit will include the following :
* a solutions-oriented initiative that seeks to establish a harmonized trade policy framework to eliminate barriers to intra-African commerce and investment
* Mobilize resources for critical infrastructure, energy and logistics to improve the free movement of goods and people
* Promote inclusive economic growth with particular attention to empowering women, youths, and small and medium enterprises.
* Enhance West Africa’s economic resilience through innovation, institutional reforms and strategic global partnerships,“
Victoria Ibanga