ECOWAS WELCOMES PARTICIPANTS FOR THE 10TH EDITION OF ECOWAS YOUNG GRADUATES IMMERSION PROGRAM

Abuja, Nigeria – August 26, 2025 – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially welcomed the participants into its prestigious Young Graduates Immersion Program, marking another milestone in the institution’s commitment to youth empowerment and regional integration.

The 2026 intake of the Young Graduates Immersion Program in ECOWAS Institutions and Agencies was formally launched on August 26, 2025, via the program’s dedicated digital platform. This year’s edition recorded an unprecedented 39,600 applications from across the ECOWAS region, underscoring the growing appeal and relevance of the initiative among West African youth.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Oumar Alieu Touray, the Commission for Humana development and Social Affairs, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, extended a warm welcome to the selected candidates, congratulating them for emerging among the most outstanding profiles from a highly competitive pool.

“You are part of the 10th cohort of this transformative program, which began in 2017. Your selection reflects your exceptional qualifications and potential to contribute meaningfully to regional development,” she stated.

The Program is designed to provide practical, institutional, and professional experience within ECOWAS institutions and specialized agencies. Through direct participation in the implementation of ECOWAS programs and initiatives, participants gain first-hand exposure to regional governance processes and development strategies.

Beyond professional development, the program positions participants as ECOWAS Youth Ambassadors, equipped to promote the ideals of regional integration, cooperation, and sustainable development across West Africa.

The one-year, non-renewable program will end in December 2026. The non-renewable structure ensures that more young professionals from across the ECOWAS Member States can benefit from this unique opportunity in subsequent cohorts.

Participants have been encouraged to maximize the experience by building practical skills and professional networks that will support their successful transition into the job market.

Since its inception in 2017, the ECOWAS Young Graduates Immersion Program has continued to strengthen the role of youth in advancing regional integration and institutional excellence across West Africa.