By Mariama Bundu
Leading African businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has pledged his support for the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit (WAIIS), an initiative being championed by ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting between President Bio and Mr. Elumelu in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
Scheduled to take place from 16–18 November 2026, the Summit aims to promote economic integration, investment, and regional cooperation across West Africa. It comes as ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary since its establishment in 1975.
The Summit will focus on four key areas: energy trade, strategic minerals, agribusiness, and digital transformation. Organisers say the initiative is designed to attract investment, strengthen regional markets, promote industrialisation, and improve food security and energy access.
Special Envoy for the Summit, Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, said WAIIS seeks to move beyond discussions by developing investment frameworks and bankable projects capable of attracting both public and private sector funding.
Tony Elumelu commended President Bio’s leadership and described the Summit as an important platform for driving economic transformation through regional cooperation. He also pledged to mobilise African business leaders and investors to support the initiative.
Observers believe Elumelu’s endorsement will boost the Summit’s credibility and attract greater interest from investors, development partners, and financial institutions across Africa and beyond.
As preparations continue, WAIIS is emerging as a major platform aimed at advancing economic growth, regional integration, and shared prosperity across West Africa.
