The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the participation and meaningful inclusion of young people in democratic governance and political decision-making across the region.
The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Political Affairs, is co-organising the first edition of the West African Youth Conference on Democracy with LEGIS360, a youth organisation focused on rights advocacy, development and public awareness.
The three-day conference is being held from 8 to 10 September 2026 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.”
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The conference provides a high-level regional platform for young people, policymakers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to assess progress made in youth political participation while examining persistent barriers to their inclusion.
It is also expected to promote evidence-based political and institutional reforms aimed at creating greater opportunities for young people to participate effectively in democratic processes and decision-making.
ECOWAS says meaningful youth participation is critical to strengthening democratic governance and ensuring that young people are not only engaged as activists and voters but are also empowered to assume leadership and decision-making roles.
The conference forms part of broader efforts to advance a regional agenda that responds to the aspirations of West Africa’s youthful population and strengthens democratic institutions across ECOWAS Member States.
