Beyond ECOWAS: Nigeria Invites Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali to 2025 West Africa Economic Summit

Nigeria has invited Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali to the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit, despite their recent exit from the Economic Community of West African States. The announcement was made by Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Foreign Affairs Minister, on Monday.

During a press conference in Abuja, Tuggar emphasized that their departure from ECOWAS does not lessen their importance as partners in the region’s economic growth. He added that the invitations were personally delivered by special envoys appointed by the Nigerian President.

While these three countries have left ECOWAS, our ties in trade, cooperation, and shared goals remain strong," Tuggar said. "They are our neighbors and key players in shaping West Africa’s economic future.

The summit is planned for June 20-21, 2025, at the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre. It will bring together heads of state, ministers, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth innovators from across West Africa and beyond. The goal is to boost trade, attract investment, and foster regional unity.

The invitations have been personally handed out by special envoys under the direct orders of the President,” Tuggar explained. “We are inviting all countries in West Africa, including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, to join us in Abuja for this important event.

He also reassured that trade and cooperation will continue even outside ECOWAS. For example, Nigeria and Niger still work together through their joint commission and development programs.

Trade doesn’t stop because a country leaves ECOWAS,” Tuggar noted. “Businesses, cross-border trade, and shared projects with Burkina Faso and Mali are still ongoing.

The summit aims to include more than just government leaders. It will feature sessions with the private sector and youth innovators, showing that regional growth depends on their involvement.

This event highlights Nigeria’s strong support for a peaceful, borderless, and economically united West Africa. We invite all regional groups, regardless of current politics, to work together for a brighter future, he said.

The 2025 summit will include a presidential roundtable, CEO forums, a deal-making room for business and government, investment displays, and cultural events for youth. It is seen as a key step to boost cooperation and growth across West Africa.