ECOWAS Partners with Songhai Center to Empower Youth through Agribusiness, Place Premium on Young People in the Region

By Raymond Enoch

In a groundbreaking move aimed at addressing youth unemployment and boosting agricultural value chains in the West African region, the ECOWAS Commission has donated $2.238 million USD to ten agricultural research centers across the region. The grant is specifically designed to train 3,850 young people, with a strong emphasis on empowering young women, who represent 40% of the trainees.

This initiative, which was unveiled during a workshop held at the Songhai Center in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin, is part of the broader ECOWAS Regional Strategy for Youth Employment in Agricultural Value Chains. The grant aims to build a more robust agricultural workforce by equipping young people with skills in agri-entrepreneurship, focusing on the agro-sylvo-pastoral and halieutic (fishing) sectors.

The donation was presented by Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission. During the opening ceremony, she emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of the region and reaffirmed the ECOWAS Commission’s commitment to empowering young people. “Our young people are the future of West Africa, and by equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge, we are not only fighting unemployment but also ensuring sustainable agricultural growth,” said Mrs. TOURE-LITSE.

The workshop at the Songhai Centre brought together experts, agricultural stakeholders, and the heads of the beneficiary research centers to discuss the content of the regional strategy and the broader issues related to youth professional integration in the agricultural sector. The Songhai Centre, renowned for its training programs that combine agricultural practices with entrepreneurship, has long been at the forefront of equipping young people with the necessary skills to thrive in the agricultural industry.

Agriculture is the backbone of many West African economies, and by focusing on the agricultural value chain, ECOWAS is working to tap into the immense potential of young people who are often left behind in the region’s development plans. With this funding, the grant will facilitate training for young entrepreneurs, providing them with skills in farming, animal husbandry, fisheries, and agricultural technology. This move is expected to lead to greater job creation, sustainable agricultural practices, and an increase in youth participation in agriculture, all of which are crucial for the future of the region’s economy.

Additionally, the focus on women is particularly significant, as it aligns with the ECOWAS Commission’s broader gender equality goals. The training program will not only provide women with the same opportunities as their male counterparts but will also encourage women’s leadership roles in agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.

ECOWAS continues to be a central figure in harmonizing economic policies across the West African region. By creating a conducive environment for youth employment and focusing on agri-entrepreneurship, ECOWAS is laying the groundwork for a more unified and prosperous economic future. The ECOWAS Commission’s efforts align with the broader objectives of the organization to promote economic integration, reduce unemployment, and enhance the well-being of West African citizens.

As the youth of West Africa become more involved in the agricultural sector, it is hoped that they will lead the charge toward innovative, sustainable practices that will shape the future of farming and rural development in the region. Through strategic partnerships like the one with the Songhai Center, ECOWAS is laying the foundation for a new era of youth empowerment and economic growth.

With continued investment in youth development and agriculture, the vision of a thriving, integrated West Africa is moving ever closer to reality. The hope is that these young trainees will not only create jobs for themselves but will also serve as catalysts for the broader transformation of the agricultural sector across the region.