H.E. Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, announced plans for a mentoring and apprenticeship network in West Africa. This initiative aims to connect the region's youth with African entrepreneurs, addressing youth underemployment and promoting human capital development.
The statement, delivered by Mr. Ruben Johnson, Coordinator of the ECOWAS "Human Capital Development" program, was part of the Youth Conference on the Development of an Economically Inclusive and Peaceful West Africa held in Accra from April 29 to 30, 2025. The conference explored strategies to tackle unemployment and underemployment among young people in the West African sub-region.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to the pressing reality that many young people in our region are struggling to find meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, so it is incumbent on us to devise comprehensive strategies to create pathways for our young people to enter the job market, contribute their talents and realize their full potential," stated Tchintchibidja. She further emphasized ECOWAS's readiness to engage with partners to advance the human capital development agenda, with increased resources for youth support activities.
H.E. George Opare Addo, Ghana's Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote youth empowerment and human capital development in the ECOWAS sub-region. The collective efforts would be crucial in finding sustainable and inclusive solutions for youth development.
The ECOWAS conference, organized in collaboration with Ghana's Ministry of Youth and Development, coincided with the sub-regional organization's 50th anniversary celebrations. It is a key element of the ECOWAS Human Capital Development Strategy launched in 2021 to support member states in crafting national human capital development plans and aims to transform "ECOWAS of States" into an "ECOWAS of Peoples."
Over 250 participants attended, including Ghanaian government representatives, educators, business leaders, youth from ECOWAS member states, and specialized ECOWAS agencies such as the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Program. The conference also included observers from the Early Warning System.
The event focused on challenges and opportunities related to youth participation in regional development, particularly addressing unemployment and underemployment in West Africa. Discussions covered themes like the causes of youth unemployment, successful youth initiatives, and financing and innovation opportunities such as the ECOWAS Human Capital Development Catalytic Investment Fund initiative.
Additionally, participants deliberated on the role of technology in job creation, aligning education with labor market needs, encouraging youth civic participation, and promoting active citizenship.
Alerts Sign-up