By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

The Sixth Legislature Joint Committee of ECOWAS’ Parliament—including members from Administration, Finance, Macroeconomic Policy, Research, and Public Accounts—has commenced a five-day conference in Monrovia. Under the theme “Assessing the Effectiveness of ECOWAS Investment Policy as an Instrument for Addressing the Rising Levels of Unemployment in the Sub‑region,” the event brings together policymakers, investment experts, and regional stakeholders.

The session, underway at the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas in Paynesville, features former National Investment Commission Executive Director George G. Wisner II as keynote speaker. Wisner is scheduled to share insights on the ECOWAS investment climate—examining regulatory frameworks, ease of doing business, and market conditions—and will participate in two panel discussions focused on linking investment to employment generation and the role of small and medium enterprises.

A key objective of the conference is to scrutinize whether current ECOWAS investment policies effectively translate into job creation, particularly for youth facing high unemployment levels approaching 25% across the region. Speakers include ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs & Agriculture, Massandje Touré-Litse, and Aisha Rimi, CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission.

Unemployment in West Africa is exacerbating economic and social challenges, including migration, inequality, and regional instability. This conference marks a timely effort to explore how investment-driven strategies and SME development could address labor market failures.

Over the next five days, delegates will assess best practices, regional experiences, and practical steps for strengthening investment mechanisms aligned with employment outcomes. The dialogue aims to feed into ECOWAS policymaking and promote actionable recommendations for national governments and regional institutions.