Nigeria will host the 2025 edition of the West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) which will take place from June 20–21 at the International Conference Centre (AICC), Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has announced.
This landmark regional event will serve as a pivotal platform to unlock trade and investment opportunities.
The summit will also help strengthening regional integration, and empower West Africa’s youth, positioning the region for inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
The theme of the summit is: “West Africa Economic Summit: Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region”
WAES 2025 will bring together regional Heads of State,Ministers, investors, CEOs, SMEs, development partners, youth innovators, and media stakeholders to deliver actionable solutions to the region’s most pressing economic challenges.
The summit aligns with Nigeria’s revitalized foreign policy agenda, the 4D strategy — Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora — with a strong emphasis on leveraging West Africa’s demographic potential and driving inclusive development through trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights of WAES 2025 are High-Level Policy Dialogue: A Presidential Roundtable and Private Sector CEO Forum will culminate in a Communiqué outlining strategic priorities for trade and investment across the region.
Others are Investment and Partnership Opportunities: The WAES Deal Room will host targeted B2G and B2B sessions aimed at securing at least five landmark investment deals or PPPs.
“West Africa Business Expo: A showcase of investment-ready SMEs and regional projects designed to promote intra-African value chains and entrepreneurship.
“Cultural and Youth Empowerment: Events such as the West Africa Art Exhibition and Innovation Pitch will spotlight the region’s creative economy and youth potential among others”
WAES 2025 will address regional priorities including economic resilience, youth employment, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation.
By advancing peace, good governance, and cross-border integration, the summit seeks to establish West Africa as a globally competitive economic bloc. (vitalnewsngr.com)