By: Lawrence D. Kawala
Monrovia, Liberia – In a bold move to address rising unemployment across West Africa, lawmakers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened in Monrovia for a week-long session aimed at reviewing the regional Investment Policy and its potential to create sustainable jobs for young people.
The joint committee session of the ECOWAS Parliament, held at the RLJ Hotel in Monrovia, officially opened on Monday, June 16, and is expected to conclude on Friday, June 20. The event brings together ECOWAS parliamentarians, development partners, and technical experts under the theme: “Harnessing Investment for Sustainable Job Creation in the ECOWAS Region.”
In his opening statement, Senator Edwin Snowe of Liberia, a prominent ECOWAS lawmaker, urged delegates to participate meaningfully and draw inspiration from Liberia’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council, which he described as a symbol of the country's growing international engagement.
Delivering the keynote address, Alhagie Darbo, Chair of ECOWAS’ Economic Committee, emphasized the need for translating investment into real, measurable employment for the region’s youth, many of whom face persistent joblessness.
Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence officially welcomed the regional delegation and reiterated Liberia’s commitment to regional integration, economic cooperation, and youth empowerment.
Also addressing the gathering, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia Josephine Nkrumah highlighted the importance of harmonizing national and regional strategies to achieve tangible policy outcomes, especially in tackling unemployment and underemployment.
Throughout the week, technical sessions will focus on developing actionable recommendations to strengthen the ECOWAS Investment Policy, enhance private sector engagement, and promote inclusive growth across the sub-region.
The conference is expected to culminate with a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at equipping ECOWAS member states with the tools to create more robust and inclusive job markets for their growing youth populations.
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