ECA Presentation Sparks Calls for Stronger Youth Employment and Cross-Border Cooperation

Economic Comfor missionfor Africa (ECA) officials highlightethe importance of d regional coordinatioe Thursday,emphasisingg evidence-based policymaking, youth employment, and private-sector development. Participants demanded practical measures ensuring measurable development outcomes.

The discussions took place during the third session at Lagoonda Hotel in Freetown, under the theme, "Unlocking the Potential of Young People in West Africa: Pathways to Employment, Economic Transformation and Resilience." The hybrid meeting runs from 28 to 30 October 2026.

Madam Ngone Diop, Director of the ECA Subregional Office for West Africa, presented the office’s performance and 2026 resulemphasisedphasized the need for an integrated approach connecting demographic change with employment creation, economic diversification, and skills development.

She stressed moving beyond policy commitments towards implementation, supported by reliable data and strong institutions. She also highlighted a regional monitoring platform for the demographic dividend agenda, intended to link national and regional initiatives.

Madam Diop introduced the West Africa Business Linkages Platform, operating across 15 countries. The initiative connects businesses, promotes entrepreneurship, and supports women and young people. Over 565 entrepreneurs are registered under the initiative's standards.

R. Charles B. Vandi, Chief Director of Protection at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, called for stronger gender-disaggregated data. He noted women face practical barriers in cross-border trade, including language difficulties, currency exchange costs, and challenges at border-crossing points.

Aminou Akadiri, Secretary-General of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, highlighted persistent constraints like access to finance, raw materials, and markets. He called for documented government commitments and highlighted regional trade corridors, including the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor.

Dr Frederick Hassan Konteh from Fourah Bay College highlighted coordination between national planning institutions and the ECOWAS Commission. He noted ongoing collaborations with Togo on the Demographic Dividend Monitoring Index and called for further capacity-building.

Herman Nicoue from Côte d’Ivoire’s Youth Employment Agency called for a coordinated subregional programme to address violent extremism and strengthen resilience. He also urged concise executive briefs to bring priority issues to policymakers' attention.

The session highlighted the close links between youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, and resilience. Participants identified the need for reliable data, better access to finance, and practical support for entrepreneurs.