MONROVIA—The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced a five-day Delocalized Sitting of the Joint Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget, Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research, Public Accounts, Industry, and Private Sector in Monrovia, Liberia. The session, which began on Monday, June 16, 2025, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Investment Policy (EIP) in tackling the rising levels of unemployment across the sub-region.
Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., head of the Liberian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, welcomed attendees on behalf of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and the people of Liberia. He emphasized the significance of the meeting, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to the region’s unemployment crisis—particularly among youth, which poses a threat to social stability and economic growth.
Snowe noted that despite West Africa’s vast natural and human resources, youth unemployment remains among the highest globally. He expressed optimism that the meeting would offer a platform to assess the strengths and limitations of the ECOWAS Investment Policy while recommending impactful reforms to attract investment and create sustainable jobs.
Delivering remarks on behalf of ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, 4th Deputy Speaker Hon. Billay G. Tunkara commended Liberia’s hospitality. He acknowledged that, while the past decade has seen regional economic growth through trade and infrastructure development, unemployment remains a pressing challenge. With youth unemployment rates averaging 15% and reaching 30% in some ECOWAS nations, Tunkara warned that failing to address the issue could undermine the region’s integration efforts and economic stability.
Alhagie S. Darbo, Chairman of the Committee on Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research, reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to driving job creation through investment policy reforms. He urged parliamentarians to ensure that policy implementation aligns with national priorities and effectively responds to the needs of citizens.
Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, President of the Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, commended ECOWAS for hosting the meeting in Liberia, stressing the need for an inclusive economic policy that leaves no one behind. She also urged ECOWAS parliamentarians to remain vigilant in addressing security challenges across West Africa.
Although Speaker of the Liberian Parliament Hon. Richard Koon and Minister of Foreign Affairs Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti were absent due to state functions, representatives delivered remarks on their behalf.
The high-level discussions will continue throughout the week, focusing on policy recommendations to drive investment and create employment opportunities across West Africa.