The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its partners are leveraging digital innovation to prepare the youth for self-development, empowerment, and regional development. This initiative was highlighted at the Youth-Voices-for-Change Forum, which commenced on June 5, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. The forum aims to harness youth energies through digital innovations to address challenges such as unemployment, irregular migration, insecurity, educational gaps, healthcare issues, poverty, criminality, poor governance, misinformation, and violent extremism.
Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musa, ECOWAS Commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, emphasized the need for greater investments in science and technology education and vocational training to transform the region’s youth into creative leaders. Represented by Amb Francis Njoaguani, Director of ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre and Acting Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, Commissioner Musa also stressed promoting entrepreneurship through mentorship programs and financial literacy coaching.
With 64 percent of West Africa’s population under 24 years old, stakeholders are concerned about peace-building efforts. Commissioner Musa quoted former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If however they are left on society margins all of us will be impoverished.”
Amb Baba Gana Wakil, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana welcomed participants to the forum and highlighted the high expectations for innovative youth while calling for concrete actions towards inclusivity.
Deputy Office Director of USAID West Africa Ina Pislaru underscored a shared vision for sustainable development that harnesses youth energy and creativity with supportive policies. She noted that the youthful demography is a powerful asset capable of driving socio-economic transformation.
Mrs. Levina Addae-Mensah from WANEP urged participants to engage fully with the forum's theme to achieve collective aspirations. Mr. Moudjib Djinadou from UNOWAS stressed using digital technology to enhance regional trade while Dr. Daniel Bonsu from Ghana’s Ministry of National Security expressed support for ECOWAS’ proactive counterterrorism measures.
The forum is supported by partners including USAID within the Strengthening Regional Peace and Stability Program (SRPS), WANEP through Just Future Alliance, UNOWAS, and DANIDA.
The 2024 Youth Voices for Change forum builds on successes from its 2022 edition by proposing solutions to critical youth issues affecting the region. The goals align with ECOWAS Vision 2050 priorities and African Union’s Agenda 2063 Aspirations.
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