ABUJA/Nigeria: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold its Regional Youth Forum from July 1 to 3, 2025, in Saly Portudal, Senegal, with the theme: “Engaging ECOWAS for a New Vision of Youth.”
The high-level gathering will unite young leaders, youth organisations, policymakers, and regional and international experts to address the challenges and opportunities facing young people across West Africa. Key discussions will focus on employment, entrepreneurship, education, and vocational training.
The forum forms part of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations and reflects the organisation’s commitment to placing youth at the centre of efforts to build a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous region. It aims to foster direct dialogue between ECOWAS and young people, aligning views and co-developing solutions that promote socio-economic development and civic participation.
The Saly event follows national consultations in cities such as Cotonou, Accra, Yamoussoukro, and Dakar, which laid the groundwork for this inclusive regional dialogue.
Organised by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC), the forum’s outcomes will shape a strategic roadmap aligned with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and guide the development of a new regional youth policy.
