Liberia: ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Vows to Empower Youth Entrepreneurs

Monrovia – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the weekend celebrated its 50th anniversary with a renewed commitment to empower youth across the region—who make up about 70 percent of the West African population.

The two-day celebration brought together government officials, heads of foreign missions, development partners, and young entrepreneurs. The event featured panel discussions, a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic, and a “Made in Liberia” Trade Fair—demonstrating ECOWAS’ commitment to unlocking the potential of young people and transforming their ideas into sustainable enterprises that can serve as building blocks for regional trade integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Liberia, Madam Josephine Nkrumah, highlighted the pivotal role youth have played over the past five decades and the need to chart a new course that focuses on youth empowerment moving forward.

“Over the last 50 years, young people have been at the forefront of ECOWAS’ endeavors,” Madam Nkrumah said. “Looking ahead, ECOWAS is committed to pursuing new dimensions of growth, development, and prosperity, particularly for young entrepreneurs across the region.”

According to Madam Nkrumah, trade is a key driver of socio-economic development and a critical tool in addressing societal challenges that often lead to conflict.

“Promoting youth entrepreneurship was chosen as the theme for ECOWAS@50 in Liberia. This celebration is rooted in the ECOWAS Youth Policy and Strategic Plan. As a Commission, we remain fully committed to engaging young people in transforming the ECOWAS community, Africa, and the world,” she added.

She said the overarching goal of the ECOWAS Youth Policy is to mobilize and actively engage young people in the regional integration and development process, empowering them to participate in all areas of national and regional life.

Madam Nkrumah urged Liberian entrepreneurs to see themselves as drivers of economic change across West Africa.

“To the entrepreneurs here today, I salute your courage, strength, and determination. Every day, you beat the odds to build yourselves, your families, your communities, and your nation through your enterprises,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning. She also called for intentional efforts to promote mentoring, access to funding, and business development support for young entrepreneurs.

“We must create environments that promote consistent learning and keep entrepreneurs up to date with industry trends. Financial literacy, communication, and networking are all essential skills that young entrepreneurs must cultivate,” she stressed.

Madam Nkrumah expressed gratitude to partner institutions including Ecobank, GT Bank, UBA, LBDI, the West Africa Health Organization, AMI, and the Liberia Red Cross Society for their continued support.

Also speaking at the event, Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Commissioner General Dorbor Jallah acknowledged ECOWAS’ role in promoting African unity and economic integration over the years. However, he noted that significant challenges remain—particularly in incorporating the informal sector into national tax systems.

“I was recently in Kigali for the Africa Tax Appreciation Forum, and one major issue discussed was how to integrate the informal sector—largely made up of small and medium enterprises—into the formal tax net,” Jallah said.

He emphasized the need for practical strategies to harness this sector’s economic potential, not just for Liberia but for the broader ECOWAS and African context.

As ECOWAS marks its golden jubilee, both speakers agreed that youth empowerment and economic inclusion must remain central pillars for the region’s future.