Boosting Regional Cooperation -Liberia to Host ECOWAS Youth Development Centre

MONROVIA – Liberia has signed a landmark agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to host the ECOWAS Youth Development Centre (EYDC), solidifying its position as a hub for regional cooperation and youth empowerment. The move underscores Liberia’s growing role in promoting peace, unity, and sustainable growth among ECOWAS member states. The EYDC will provide a platform for young people across West Africa to access training, leadership opportunities, and programs designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. As THE ANALYST reports, the centre is expected to strengthen Liberia’s position as a leader in promoting regional integration and cooperation, despite recent challenges to ECOWAS unity, including the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the bloc.

The Government of Liberia, represented by Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Liberian Cabinet, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, today signed a landmark agreement for Liberia to host the ECOWAS Youth Development Centre (EYDC).

This historic decision underscores Liberia’s growing role as a hub for regional cooperation and youth empowerment within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

The signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s partnership with ECOWAS, reflecting the country’s commitment to advancing youth development, sports, and regional integration. 

By hosting the EYDC, Liberia will provide a platform for young people across West Africa to access training, leadership opportunities, and programs designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. 

The Centre will serve as a regional hub for youth and sports development, strengthening Liberia’s position as a leader in promoting peace, unity, and sustainable growth among ECOWAS member states.

The ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) was established as a specialized institution of ECOWAS, mandated to promote youth and sports development across the West African sub-region. 

Its creation was rooted in ECOWAS’ broader mission, founded in 1975 with the Treaty of Lagos, to foster economic integration and cooperation among West African nations. 

In remarks, Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti emphasized: “This agreement is not only a win for Liberia but for the entire ECOWAS community. By hosting the Youth Development Centre, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders who will drive peace, prosperity, and unity across West Africa.” 

For his part, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, added: “The Youth Development Centre is a cornerstone of our vision for regional integration. Liberia’s leadership in hosting this Centre demonstrates the collective will of ECOWAS to invest in our youth, who are the future of our community.” 

On January 29th, 2024, the three countries Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formed themselves as Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Countries and officially notified ECOWAS about their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.