Sen. Lawrence Calls for  Investment Reform Within ECOWAS -Welcomes Regional Parliamentarians Meeting in Monrovia

MONROVIA: ECOWAS parliamentarians are currently meeting in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, to discuss investment policy as instrument to fashion remedies to rising tides of unemployment in the region. Amongst the speakers at the opening ceremony was Liberia’s president pro-tempore, Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, who used the platform to drum up support for serious reforms and innovations to enable mass employment and enhance the enabling climates for entrepreneurship within the West African Community. THE ANALYST reports.   

Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence on Monday joined delegates of the ECOWAS Parliament in Monrovia for a high-level joint committee sitting focused on investment and economic policy, urging participants to focus more on budget and investment reforms that spur employment. 

The de-localized session, hosted in Liberia’s capital, brought together members of the ECOWAS Parliament’s joint committees on Administration, Finance, and Budget under the theme: “Assessing the Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Investment Policy as an Instrument for Addressing the Rising Levels of Unemployment in the Sub-Region.”

Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence, in her keynote goodwill message, hailed the gathering as “a crucial platform” to tackle one of West Africa’s most pressing issues: youth unemployment.

 “This theme touches the very core of our regional challenges,” she stated. “With youth unemployment in West Africa reaching some of the highest levels globally, we must examine the gaps in our investment frameworks and align strategies to meaningfully address joblessness, poverty, and migration pressures.”

Karnga-Lawrence emphasized that the ECOWAS Investment Policy (EIP) offers not just a blueprint for economic growth but also a mechanism for inclusive development through a stronger investment climate, better human capital development, and greater private sector engagement.

Reflecting on Liberia’s own trajectory, she pointed to ongoing reforms by the Liberian government, supported by the Legislature, to enhance the investment environment.

“We have prioritized legal frameworks that enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and encourage innovation,” she said. “Our Legislature is currently reviewing bills to strengthen the private sector—especially SMEs—while also increasing support for technical and vocational education.”

These national efforts, she added, align directly with the goals of the EIP and the broader ECOWAS vision.

Extending a warm welcome to delegates, Karnga-Lawrence highlighted Monrovia’s symbolic significance as both the capital of Liberia and a testament to African resilience.

 “Monrovia is not just Liberia’s capital, it is a proud beacon of our enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and integration,” she said. “You are not a stranger, you are our guest.”

She also expressed appreciation to Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, and other members of the body for their support during Liberia’s recent political challenges, noting their role in facilitating peaceful resolution.

In a moment of national pride, the Senate leader also referenced Liberia’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, calling it a shared victory for the ECOWAS region.

“At the Security Council, Liberia will serve as a bridge between global security frameworks and the regional realities of West Africa,” she said. “We will advocate for stronger international responses to security challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, and political instability.”

Karnga-Lawrence urged her fellow lawmakers and regional partners to treat investment as a cornerstone for peace and prosperity.

“Economic growth and peace are intertwined. By addressing unemployment, we are not only investing in our economies, but also in peace, dignity, and the future of our young people,” she concluded.

She expressed confidence that the joint committee meeting would produce actionable insights and lead to more effective implementation of regional investment strategies.

The session in Monrovia is expected to continue through the week, with several panel discussions and deliberations scheduled to address macroeconomic policy, youth employment, and private sector development in the ECOWAS sub-region.