By HeapNews
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is convening a high-level Youth Conference in Accra, Ghana, from April 29 to 30, 2025. The event brings together over 250 participants to confront the persistent challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment across West Africa.
Jointly organised with Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Development, the conference aims to address the root causes of youth joblessness and the risks of political and social instrumentalisation. It will also spotlight youth-led enterprises, explore innovation funding opportunities—particularly the ECOWAS Human Capital Development (HCD) Catalytic Investment Fund—and promote reforms to better align education with labor market demands.
Read Also: Young Artists Celebrate 50 Years of ECOWAS Through Creative Workshop in Cotonou
Participants include H.E. Damtien TCHINTCHIBIDJA, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ghanaian government officials, educators, private sector leaders, development partners, and youth representatives from ECOWAS member states. Specialised ECOWAS agencies such as the Youth and Sports Development Program and the Early Warning System will also be present.
In addition to employment-focused sessions, the conference will explore the role of technology in job creation, effective continuing education programs, and the importance of civic engagement and active citizenship among youth.
“This is more than a celebration—it is a call to action,” said Vice-President TCHINTCHIBIDJA. “We must create real opportunities for our youth to thrive and lead a prosperous, peaceful West Africa.”
The two-day event is expected to generate practical strategies for youth empowerment while strengthening partnerships among key actors across sectors.