By Omonu YG Nelson
The sixth legislature Delocalised meeting of the Joint Committee on Administration, Finance & Budget, Public Accounts, Macroeconomic Policy & Economic Research, and Industry and Private Sector, convened in Monrovia, Liberia.
The gathering brought together distinguished parliamentarians, policymakers, and regional stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the ECOWAS Investment Policy in addressing rising unemployment in the sub-region.
In a welcome speech, Sen. Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr., Head of the Liberian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, extended a warm welcome to the delegates, highlighting Liberia’s historic significance and cultural heritage.
“On behalf of His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the Government and People of Liberia, I extend to you all a heartfelt welcome to Monrovia, our nation’s capital and a city steeped in history, resilience, and unity.”
The meeting coincides with Liberia’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member, marking an important leap in the country’s diplomatic efforts. Snowe attributed this achievement to “tireless diplomacy, strategic advocacy, and consistent engagement” led by President Boakai and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Unemployment remains a pressing concern in Liberia and the broader ECOWAS community. Snowe emphasised the need for policy reforms, investment incentives, and regional collaboration to change the narrative.
“In Liberia, we feel the effects of unemployment acutely. Too many of our young people, talented and ambitious, are without opportunity. Yet we believe that with the right mix of policy reforms, investment incentives, and regional collaboration, we can change this narrative – not only for Liberia, but for the entire ECOWAS community.”
Snowe expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, for selecting Liberia as the host of the meeting, affirming the country’s strategic role in regional integration. He urged delegates to engage robustly, collaborate openly, and explore opportunities for practical solutions and renewed partnerships.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of the Committee on Macroeconomic Policy and Economic Research, Alhagie Darbo, emphasised the need for the policy to go beyond aspiration to implementation, focusing on inclusive development and job creation.
“The critical issue for our consideration during this meeting is not only about the need for investment, but how we can also leverage the ECOWAS Investment Policy to produce concrete benefits for our people-especially in the form of decent, sustainable jobs,” Darbo stated.
As a regional Parliament, Darbo emphasised the importance of collaborative work to ensure a competitive investment climate that offers opportunities for youth, women, small businesses, and local communities.
He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to supporting policy frameworks that deliver real development outcomes, urging participants to engage openly and constructively.
The meeting aims to deliberate and proffer recommendations that will help attract quality investment, drive innovation, and ensure job creation in the region. With West Africa facing significant economic challenges, including a GDP per capita of less than $2,000 and soaring inflation rates, the success of the ECOWAS Investment Policy is crucial for the region’s economic development and poverty reduction ¹.
Darbo’s call to action emphasises the need for a collective effort to harness the opportunities of the ECOWAS Investment Policy in addressing unemployment and promoting economic growth in the region.