Abuja Hosts WAES 2025 as Nigeria Pushes for Regional Trade Realignment

The 2025 West African Economic Summit (WAES) opened in Abuja with strong calls for regional unity and African-led solutions to drive economic development across the subcontinent. The summit, themed “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities in the Region,” gathered policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center.

Addressing participants, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the summit as a “platform of purpose” designed to deepen cooperation and convert regional economic potential into tangible prosperity. She emphasized that shared trade history and cultural ties offer a strong foundation for integration, urging West African nations to produce concrete strategies that enhance trade, investment, and job creation.

Speaking during a high-level panel on export competitiveness, Dr. Tayo Aduloju of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) highlighted the need to reform port systems, upgrade infrastructure, and streamline trade protocols. He noted that intra-African trade remains more difficult than trading with external markets, a situation that hinders regional growth and undermines industrial ambitions.

Other participants, including Mr. Uche Enoha from Nigeria and Mrs. Karolina John from Ghana, echoed support for regional self-reliance, urging member states to align policies and leverage existing trade corridors. The summit continues to serve as a rallying point for unlocking Africa’s economic future through homegrown solutions and strategic partnerships.