The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is hosting a major Youth Conference in Accra, Ghana, from April 29 to 30, 2025, as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations. The conference aims to discuss youth unemployment, showcase successful youth initiatives, and explore funding opportunities, including the ECOWAS Human Capital Development Catalytic Investment Fund initiative.
Organized with the Ghanaian Ministry of Youth and Development, the conference will cover topics such as the role of technology in employment, education reform to meet labor market needs, and promoting active citizenship among youth. "The role of technology in creating employment opportunities and solving employment problems" is one of the key themes to be addressed.
The conference will host over 250 participants, including H.E. Damtien TCHINTCHIBIDJA, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, representatives from the Ghanaian government, educators, business leaders, and other stakeholders. The event will offer a platform for discussing challenges and opportunities related to youth participation in West Africa, particularly in the context of unemployment and underemployment.
Participants will include young people from ECOWAS member states, specialized ECOWAS agencies like the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Program, and various strategic partners and donors. The presence of the private sector and donor organizations will also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration.
A variety of stakeholders, including participants from the Directorates and Programs of the Office of the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as ECOWAS Early Warning System observers, will also attend.
This conference represents a significant effort by ECOWAS to engage youth in the push for an economically inclusive and peaceful West Africa.
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