ECOWAS Selects 98 Young Professionals for 2025 Institutional Placement Across Agencies
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) Department of Human Development and Social Affairs hosted an important event in Abuja, marking a pivotal moment for 98 young professionals selected for the prestigious ECOWAS Professional Immersion Program.
The event, held at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, brought together these young talents who will play a crucial role in the development of West Africa as they embark on a year-long placement across various ECOWAS agencies and directorates.
In an engaging and informative meeting, the young professionals were briefed by key figures within the ECOWAS Commission, including Commissioner Fatou SOW SARR, responsible for Human Development and Social Affairs, and Mr. Rolland KOUAKOU, Acting Director of Education.
The focus of the gathering was to provide the selected individuals with a deeper understanding of ECOWAS’ integration agenda and its ongoing initiatives to foster the socio-economic development of the region’s member states.
“This program is more than just an opportunity for you to gain professional experience,” said Commissioner SARR in her address. “It is an invitation to contribute to the realization of ECOWAS’ vision for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful West Africa.”
The ECOWAS Professional Immersion Program, which officially began on February 18, 2025, is set to run until December 2025. Over the course of these ten months, the 98 young professionals will immerse themselves in the inner workings of the regional organization, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of sectors ranging from education, health, and culture to economics and security.
This year’s cohort was selected from an impressive pool of over 11,000 applications.
The highly competitive process reflects the increasing demand for young, skilled individuals to drive the ECOWAS agenda forward. The selected professionals represent a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds, all of whom will be deployed in ECOWAS agencies located in member states, as well as in the organization’s headquarters in Abuja.
“The selection process was intense, and the 98 individuals we have chosen are truly the cream of the crop,” said Mr. KOUAKOU. “This program is a great avenue for them to learn, contribute, and build professional networks that will last a lifetime.”
This program’s significance extends beyond professional development; it is a strategic initiative by ECOWAS to cultivate the next generation of African leaders who are not only well-versed in regional integration but are also equipped to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges. Through their placements, the young professionals will have the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned experts and contribute to vital projects that align with the ECOWAS mission.
With a clear focus on institutional development, the ECOWAS Professional Immersion Program also ensures that the next wave of African leaders has the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to drive regional integration. The 2025 cohort will play a key role in ECOWAS’ initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation, sustainable development, and peace in West Africa.
As the program unfolds throughout the year, these young professionals will undoubtedly become integral parts of the ECOWAS machinery, actively contributing to the region’s political, social, and economic development.
This is a significant milestone for ECOWAS and a testament to the organization’s commitment to empowering young people, ensuring that they are not only participants in the regional integration process but also key drivers of change. The coming months will surely showcase the immense potential of this group of talented young professionals as they navigate the world of regional governance and contribute to the brighter future of West Africa.
