ECOWAS BRINGS TOGETHER EXPERTS AND MINISTERS IN DAKAR TO ADOPT REGIONAL POLICIES IN THE FIELDS OF SPORT, YOUTH AND VOLUNTEERING
The ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development (CDJS) is organising a meeting of experts in Dakar from 27 to 31 July, followed by a meeting of ministers responsible for youth and sport from member states, dedicated to the consolidation, validation and adoption of key regional strategic frameworks aimed at strengthening human capital development in West Africa.
These high-level meetings bring together representatives from the twelve ECOWAS member states, regional institutions, technical and financial partners, as well as experts from the fields of sport, youth and volunteering.
The proceedings focus on (i) the analysis and validation of three key strategic documents: the ECOWAS Youth Policy and its 2026–2035 Strategic Action Plan, (II) the ECOWAS Sports Policy and its 2026–2035 Strategic Action Plan, and (III) the Strategic Policy Document for the ECOWAS Volunteer Programme and its 2026–2035 Action Plan.
These instruments aim to provide the region with harmonised frameworks to promote youth empowerment, strengthen the role of sport as a driver of peace, social cohesion and economic development, and consolidate volunteering as a tool for regional integration, citizenship and solidarity.
Following the expert meeting, the recommendations drawn up will be submitted to the ministerial meeting for validation and adoption, prior to their implementation in member states.
On the sidelines of these proceedings, the ECOWAS Commission will officially launch the ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme (ECOWAS Youth and Women Entrepreneurship Programme—EYWEP), implemented by the Centre for Youth and Sports Development with financial support from AUDA-NEPAD and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). This regional programme aims to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development and access to sustainable economic opportunities for young people and women.
Through these initiatives, ECOWAS reaffirms its commitment to investing in human capital, promoting inclusive public policies, and strengthening cooperation amongst member states, in order to provide West African young people with an environment conducive to their development, civic participation, and contribution to the region’s sustainable development.