The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for increased participation of young people in democratic governance and political decision-making across West Africa.
The regional bloc made the call as it co-hosts the inaugural West African Youth Conference on Democracy with LEGis360, a youth-focused organisation involved in rights advocacy, development and public awareness.
The three-day conference, which began on September 8 and ends on September 10, 2026, is being held in Dakar, Senegal, under the theme: “From activism to taking power: reassessing the political inclusion of young people in West Africa and advancing a regional agenda for democratic governance.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, ECOWAS said the conference provides a high-level platform for stakeholders to review progress made in youth political participation and examine the challenges limiting their effective involvement in governance.
The conference is also expected to promote evidence-based reforms aimed at removing barriers to youth participation and strengthening their role in political and democratic processes across member states.
According to ECOWAS, meaningful youth inclusion is essential to developing democratic institutions that are more inclusive, responsive and sustainable.
The regional body stressed the need for continued efforts to create opportunities for young people to move beyond activism and play a more direct role in political leadership and decision-making in West Africa.