EYWEP: an initiative by the Centre for Youth and Sports Development to support the integration of young people and women into the labour market
Through the EYWEP programme, the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development is clearly demonstrating a strong political commitment: to make young people and women the true driving forces behind regional development. Against a backdrop where challenges relating to employment, training and socio-professional integration remain a cause for concern, this strategic direction reflects an awareness of the demographic and economic challenges facing West Africa.
The EYWEP programme is fully aligned with this approach. It is not merely a support mechanism, but a structured framework of actions aimed at sustainably improving the employability of young people and women. By implementing targeted initiatives, the programme addresses the specific needs of these groups, who often face multiple barriers, such as a lack of suitable training, a lack of personalised support or limited access to economic opportunities.
Mentoring plays a central role in this process. More than just support, it serves as a strategic tool to guide, direct and inspire beneficiaries throughout their journey. Thanks to the support of experienced mentors – including professionals, entrepreneurs and sector experts – young people and women benefit from practical advice, the sharing of experiences and personalised support. This scheme not only helps to strengthen their technical and soft skills, but also builds their self-confidence and their ability to make informed decisions.
Mentoring also fosters the creation of strong professional networks. By facilitating interactions between beneficiaries and key players in the world of work, it opens up concrete prospects for integration into the labour market and career progression. These special relationships provide access to opportunities that are often not readily apparent, whilst strengthening the beneficiaries’ roots in their economic environment.
By facilitating access to employment opportunities, the ECOWAS Centre for Youth and Sports Development acts as a strategic intermediary between beneficiaries and businesses. This proactive approach, enhanced by mentoring, promotes sustainable socio-professional integration, based on supported pathways, strengthened skills and better integration into professional networks.
Illustrative images: young people taking part in the Regional Youth Conference