In a diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening regional economic cooperation, Nigeria’s Special Envoy for the upcoming West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was on Thursday, June 12, 2025, received by the President of Guinea-Bissau, His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu personally delivered a special invitation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to President Embaló, inviting him to participate in the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit 2025, slated to hold from June 20 to 21, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Speaking during the audience, the Nigerian envoy emphasized that the summit is a flagship initiative of President Tinubu, envisioned to fast-track economic integration, trade partnerships, and sustainable development across the West African sub-region. She described WAES 2025 as a strategic platform that will “revolutionize the integration process in the region and strengthen collective economic resilience.”
In his response, President Embaló lauded President Tinubu for the bold initiative, describing it as a timely and historic move to accelerate regional cooperation. He pledged Guinea-Bissau’s full support for the summit and confirmed his attendance alongside a high-level delegation to Abuja.
The Special Envoy and her delegation later departed Bissau for Accra, Ghana, as part of a diplomatic tour to formally deliver invitations to West African leaders.
About WAES 2025:
The West Africa Economic Summit 2025 is expected to convene heads of state, ministers, business leaders, and policy experts to discuss innovative strategies for boosting intra-regional trade, infrastructure development, security cooperation, and youth employment in West Africa.
