Youth Empowerment: ECOWAS invests $2.24 million in Agriculture across West Africa

By Sandra Udeike

In a significant effort to combat youth unemployment and enhance agricultural productivity, ECOWAS has invested $2.24 million in grants to foster agricultural training and entrepreneurship throughout West Africa.

The funding, announced on February 25, 2025, in Porto Novo, Benin Republic, is part of ECOWAS’ Regional Strategy for Youth Employment in Agricultural Value Chains.

It will be distributed among 10 Agricultural Research Centres and five Agroecology and Organic Production Centres, including Songhai Centres, to provide hands-on training and support for 3,850 young people, with at least 40% of beneficiaries being women.

During a workshop at the Songhai Centre in Porto Novo, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, officially presented the grant on behalf of Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission.

She emphasized the program’s role in transforming agriculture into a viable career path for young people, stating:
“Training young people is an investment in our collective future. It equips them with the necessary skills to transform agriculture, enhance productivity, and strengthen the competitiveness of our agricultural sectors. Moreover, it combats unemployment by offering concrete prospects for self-employment and entrepreneurship.”

The workshop was organized to sensitize and mobilize beneficiary centers on utilizing the grant effectively while reinforcing ECOWAS’ commitment to youth employment and sustainable agricultural development.

Prof. Godfrey NZAMUJO, Director of the Songhai Centre, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a “transformative step towards redefining Africa’s economic model.”

“What we are launching today is more than just a training program—it is the foundation of a new economic paradigm.

A paradigm where agriculture, industry, and services work in synergy to drive sustainable development, environmental regeneration, and wealth creation,” he remarked.

With this investment, ECOWAS aims to equip young entrepreneurs with modern agricultural skills, foster innovation, and create employment opportunities that will drive economic growth and food security across West Africa.