Freetown:Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) officials underscored the importance of regional coordination, emphasizing evidence-based policymaking, youth employment, and private-sector development during a presentation on Thursday. Participants at the session called for practical measures to ensure measurable development outcomes.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the discussions occurred during the third session at Lagoonda Hotel in Freetown, under the theme, "Unlocking the Potential of Young People in West Africa Pathways to Employment, Economic Transformation and Resilience." The hybrid meeting, attended by various stakeholders, is scheduled to run from 28 to 30 October 2026.
Madam Ngone Diop, Director of the ECA Subregional Office for West Africa, presented the office's performance and 2026 results, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that connects demographic change with employment creation, economic diversification, and skills development. She stressed the importance of moving beyond policy commitments towards implementation, supported by reliable data and strong institutions.
A significant focus was on the West Africa Business Linkages Platform, a new initiative introduced by Madam Diop, which operates across 15 countries. The platform aims to connect businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and support women and young people, with over 565 entrepreneurs already registered under its standards.
R. Charles B. Vandi, Chief Director of Protection at Sierra Leone's Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, highlighted the need for stronger gender-disaggregated data. He noted practical barriers women face in cross-border trade, such as language difficulties, currency exchange costs, and border-crossing challenges.
Aminou Akadiri, Secretary-General of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, addressed persistent constraints like access to finance, raw materials, and markets. He called for documented government commitments and emphasized the importance of regional trade corridors, including the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.
Dr. Frederick Hassan Konteh from Fourah Bay College discussed the coordination between national planning institutions and the ECOWAS Commission, noting ongoing collaborations with Togo on the Demographic Dividend Monitoring Index and calling for further capacity-building efforts.
Herman Nicoue from Côte d'Ivoire's Youth Employment Agency urged for a coordinated subregional programme to address violent extremism and strengthen resilience. He also recommended concise executive briefs to bring priority issues to policymakers' attention.
The session highlighted the close links between youth employment, women's economic empowerment, and resilience, with participants identifying the need for reliable data, better access to finance, and practical support for entrepreneurs.