LOMÉ, Togo
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) urged policymakers to prioritize digital skills and artificial intelligence alongside security and infrastructure to prepare young people for a rapidly changing workforce.
The remarks came during a regional youth forum on artificial intelligence that opened Tuesday, May 12, in Lomé, Togo, organized by ECOWAS as part of activities marking the bloc’s 50th anniversary.
ECOWAS Vice-President Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja said West Africa remains one of the world’s youngest regions, with nearly 65% of its population under age 25, but this human capital has not become a driver of prosperity.
She was represented at the event by ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo Deweh Emily Gray.
Gray said the forum responds to requests from West African youth during a 2025 meeting in Accra, Ghana, to achieve greater integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence into education and training.
She said AI could support agricultural development through weather forecasting and disease detection, improve health care with AI-assisted diagnostic tools, and expand opportunities in finance and creative industries.
Gray urged policymakers in the region to make digital skills and artificial intelligence national and regional priorities alongside sectors such as security and infrastructure.
According to the statement, the forum is expected to produce policy recommendations to be presented to ECOWAS heads of state and government during the Summit of the Future.
Agamo Kodzo, secretary-general of Togo’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, said hosting the forum reflects the country’s commitment to youth, innovation and regional integration.
