Gov’t, ECOWAS Sign Landmark Host Country Agreement

Monrovia, Liberia-December 12, 2025: The Government of Liberia, represented by Her Excellency Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, along with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, on Thursday, December 11, 2025 signed a landmark Host Country Agreement for Liberia to serve as the home of the ECOWAS Youth Development Centre (EYDC).

This milestone underscores Liberia’s growing leadership in regional cooperation and youth empowerment within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In her remarks, Minister Nyanti stated: “This agreement is not only a win for Liberia but for the entire ECOWAS community. By hosting the Youth Development Centre, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders who will drive peace, prosperity, and unity across West Africa.”

She further expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Liberia’s ECOWAS legislators, and all stakeholders who contributed to this major achievement through their direct support or advocacy.

For his part, Dr. Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, remarked: “The Youth Development Centre is a cornerstone of our vision for regional integration. Liberia’s leadership in hosting this Centre demonstrates the collective will of ECOWAS to invest in our youth, who are the future of our community.”

The signing ceremony marks a significant step forward in Liberia’s partnership with ECOWAS and highlights the country’s commitment to advancing youth development, sports, and regional integration. By hosting the EYDC, Liberia will provide a dynamic platform for young people across West Africa to access training, leadership development, innovative programs, entrepreneurship opportunities, and cultural exchange initiatives.

The Centre will function as a regional hub for youth and sports development, further strengthening Liberia’s position as a champion of peace, unity, and sustainable growth within the sub-region.

The ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC), established as a specialized institution of ECOWAS, carries the mandate to promote youth and sports development across West Africa.

Its foundation aligns with the broader mission of ECOWAS created in 1975 under the Treaty of Lagos to foster economic integration, cooperation, and collective progress among member states.

It can be recalled that on January 29, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) officially notified ECOWAS of their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.