Solving West Africa’s  Economic Woes

This year’s summit of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) takes place against a challenging environment for the regional bloc. A World Bank report in January 2024 stated that despite the potential to produce enough food locally, several countries in west Africa rely on food imports from outside the continent. The Ecowas leaders must identify ways of boosting local production. This would reduce unemployment and boost local economic growth. The west and central African regions have some of the highest concentrations of young people in the world. With a median age of 17.5 years, there is an urgent need for leaders of the countries in Ecowas to develop a blueprint for youth development. Ecowas leaders must also develop strategies for accessing and generating funds for climate change responses.

THE CONVERSATION