ECOWAS Pavilion, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Former Director of Private Sector, ECOWAS Commission
Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu is a development strategist and the former Director of Private Sector at the ECOWAS Commission. With a career spanning over three decades, he has played a central role in advancing private sector development, regional integration, and economic cooperation across West Africa. His work has consistently focused on strengthening the enabling environment for businesses and expanding economic opportunities within the ECOWAS region. During his tenure, he founded the ECOWAS Small Business Coalition (ESBC) to support MSMEs and encourage entrepreneurship, and revitalized the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS), leading to its formal relaunch in 2024. He also played a key role in initiating the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, which enhanced mobility and strengthened regional integration. Dr. Elumelu is recognized for his commitment to building a more unified and competitive West African market. His leadership has helped expand business opportunities, support institutional collaboration, and promote sustainable economic development across the region.