West African countries have adopted the Freetown Declaration, outlining actions to expand youth employment and accelerate inclusive economic transformation across the subregion.

This was noted in a statement by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa that was released on Wednesday. The declaration was adopted at the 29th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for West Africa, held in Freetown from October 28 to 30.

The meeting was co-hosted by the Sierra Leone Government and the ECA Subregional Office for West Africa. It brought together government officials, regional organisations, development partners, academia, the private sector and civil society.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyeh Barlay, presided over the closing of the three-day meeting.

The declaration called on West African governments to strengthen institutional frameworks for youth development and align education and vocational training with labour market requirements. It also recommended increased investment in agriculture, agribusiness, livestock, mining, digital services and entrepreneurship to expand employment opportunities.

“Member states are urged to improve young people’s access to finance, productive assets, land and business development support.

“The declaration further calls for youth employment priorities to be integrated into national development plans, sectoral policies and public budgets. It recommends strengthening technical and vocational education, digital competencies and entrepreneurial skills to improve young people’s employability.

“Countries are also encouraged to promote regional value chains, cross-border cooperation and youth participation in markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” it said.

It said the declaration identified the need for improved labour market statistics and national data on investment in young people. The declaration encouraged governments to improve further prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services for drug and substance abuse.

“The ECA and its partners are expected to support coordination among national and regional institutions, address data gaps and facilitate the sharing of training resources. The declaration also seeks wider adoption of the Budgeting Sensitive to Demographic Dividend approach across West African countries prepared to implement it.

“The private sector is encouraged to invest in productive activities, establish apprenticeship programmes and strengthen platforms connecting young entrepreneurs with markets, finance and mentorship,” it said.

To monitor implementation, the declaration said it requested the committee’s bureau, with ECA’s support, to develop a scorecard and report progress at the 30th session.

It also urged member states to present updates on implementing their national commitments at the next session.

According to the ECA, the declaration provides a framework for coordinated action to strengthen human capital, expand decent employment and harness West Africa’s demographic potential for sustainable development.

(NAN)