The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a Human Capital Development Youth Conference in Accra, Ghana, from April 29 to 30, 2025.
Taking place at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the event is designed to inspire innovation, leadership, and youth-led initiatives across West Africa, aligning with ECOWAS’s core objectives of unity, peace, and regional development.
Established in 1975, ECOWAS has long worked to enhance economic cooperation and political stability among its 15 member nations. This conference marks a renewed focus on the region’s youth, who make up over 60% of the population. Discussions will center on addressing key challenges such as unemployment, gaps in education, and limited access to technology, all within the framework of sustainable development and inter-country collaboration.
Ghana’s role as host reflects its longstanding commitment to the ECOWAS mission, having played a significant part in peacekeeping and regional diplomacy. The conference is expected to welcome participants from civil society, the private sector, youth organizations, and ECOWAS institutions.
Organizers view the event as an opportunity to elevate young voices in shaping policy and regional strategies. “Supporting the youth is essential for West Africa’s future,” noted an ECOWAS official. “This conference is intended to generate practical solutions and unlock the full potential of the region’s younger generation.”
This milestone comes as West Africa navigates complex transitions, including security concerns, economic policy shifts, and increased demand for democratic governance. By placing youth at the heart of its anniversary celebration, ECOWAS aims to close existing development gaps and lay the foundation for a more unified and resilient region. The Accra gathering is expected to shape the bloc’s strategic direction for the decades ahead.
ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Human Capital Development Youth Conference
Theme: Empowering Youth for a Resilient and Integrated West Africa
Date: April 29–30, 2025
Venue: Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana
Host: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Day 1: April 29, 2025
08:00 – 09:00 | Arrival and Registration
Participants check in and receive conference materials.
09:00 – 09:30 | Opening Ceremony
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National Anthem
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Welcome Address by Host Country Representative
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Opening Remarks by ECOWAS Commission President
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Keynote Address: “Youth as Catalysts for Regional Development”
09:30 – 10:30 | Plenary Session 1:
Human Capital as the Foundation for Economic Integration
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Expert panel discussion with Q&A
10:30 – 11:00 | Health Break / Networking
11:00 – 12:30 | Youth Dialogue Session 1:
Job Creation, Entrepreneurship & Skills Development
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Youth entrepreneurs and innovators share ideas
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Interactive session with feedback from stakeholders
12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30 | Breakout Sessions
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Group A: Education and Digital Access
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Group B: Agriculture and Innovation
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Group C: Youth in Governance and Peacebuilding
15:30 – 16:30 | Session Reports and Youth Recommendations
Each group presents findings and proposals.
16:30 – 17:00 | Closing Summary of Day 1
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Recap and takeaways
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Announcements for Day 2
Day 2: April 30, 2025
08:30 – 09:00 | Arrival and Warm-Up Networking
09:00 – 10:30 | Plenary Session 2:
Building a Future-Proof Youth Ecosystem in West Africa
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Regional best practices and policy strategies
10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30 | Youth Dialogue Session 2:
Social Inclusion, Gender Equity, and Digital Empowerment
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Voices from marginalized groups
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Interactive Q&A
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch Break
13:30 – 14:30 | High-Level Panel:
The Role of Regional Institutions in Youth Empowerment
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Dialogue between ECOWAS officials, donors, and youth leaders
14:30 – 15:30 | Presentation of the Youth Action Plan
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Compiled youth recommendations submitted to ECOWAS
15:30 – 16:00 | Closing Ceremony
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Final remarks
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Awards/recognition
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Group photo
