The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, through its Directorate of Political Affairs, has joined forces with civil society organization LEGIS360 to stage the first West African Youth Conference on Democracy.
The three-day summit, taking place from September 8 to 10, 2026, in Saly Portudal, Dakar, brings together regional leaders, youth advocates, and political stakeholders 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.”
Designed as a high-level platform, the gathering focuses on breaking down systemic obstacles to youth leadership, advancing evidence-based reforms, and strengthening political participation across ECOWAS Member States.
Delivering an address on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Zelma Yollande Nobre Fassinou, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, emphasized the vital role youth play in regional stability.
”The political inclusion of young people must not be seen as a favour. It is an investment in the future and in the resilience of our democracies. This responsibility also falls on the institutions,” stated Ambassador Fassinou.
Despite young people constituting the vast majority of West Africa’s population, participants at the conference highlighted persistent legal, financial, and institutional barriers that limit youth from holding political office and shaping public policy.
Addressing the delegates, Samuel Folorunsho, Founder and Executive Director of LEGIS360, urged legislative bodies and political parties to move beyond lip service and establish real channels for youth empowerment.
”West Africa is not short of young people with ideas. What we have been short of is the machinery to turn those ideas into rules,” Folorunsho noted. “Our aim here is to bridge the gap between recommendations and implementation, ensuring that state institutions actively welcome young citizens into decision-making.”
Youth participants attending the sessions expressed optimism regarding the direct partnership between regional authorities and grassroots organizations.
”Seeing ECOWAS partner directly with youth organizations like LEGIS360 gives us confidence that our voices are being taken seriously,” remarked one delegate. “We are not just asking for a seat at the table; we are working together to redesign the table so that governance reflects the actual demographics of our nations.”
The conference features five dedicated policy labs covering campaign finance, legislative entry points, and election observation frameworks. Discussions are scheduled to conclude with the adoption of the Dakar Declaration, a Regional Action Framework, and the official launch of the West Africa Youth Observers Network.
