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Nigeria to host West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja
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Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger invited despite ECOWAS withdrawal
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New Sahel Confederation challenges regional diplomacy
Nigeria has officially invited Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic to attend the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit, despite their formal withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year.
The two-day summit will take place from June 20 to 21, 2025, at the Abuja International Conference Centre, and is expected to address regional trade, cross-border security, and economic cooperation beyond ECOWAS.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the development at a press briefing in Abuja, saying:“The fact that these countries exited ECOWAS does not erase our shared identity as West Africans.”
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Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s economic ties with the Sahel nations, stating that:“Trade does not stop because of membership status.”
He cited ongoing joint development projects and infrastructure partnerships with Niger, and business engagements with Burkina Faso and Mali, even outside ECOWAS structures.
Following their withdrawal in January 2025, ECOWAS urged member states to: Continue visa-free travel for citizens of the three countries, Recognise ECOWAS ID cards and passports.
Allow uninterrupted trade under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
ECOWAS warned against economic isolation and called for ongoing dialogue.
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Rejects Niger Junta’s Plan to Handover to Civilian Rule
In May 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger moved to form the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The move marks a geopolitical shift and a challenge to ECOWAS dominance in West Africa’s security and trade landscape.
According to Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Sangare, the AES confederation has finalised its institutional framework, making it a potential alternative bloc for regional diplomacy and economic cooperation.
