The disconnect with African youth
Established in 1975, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was born out of the aspirations of post-independence Africa to achieve regional unity, economic integration, and collective self-reliance. Rooted in the ideals of Pan-Africanism, ECOWAS has long stood as a beacon of regional cooperation. Its founding purpose was to emulate the aspirations and ideology of the European Economic Community (EEC), now known as the European Union (EU).
Yet in recent years, questions have emerged about its effectiveness. Has ECOWAS become a hollow shell, hindered by weak integration, political instability, and leadership lacking the vision to implement sustainable ideologies aligned with its core objectives? Or is it in the early stages of a necessary transformation?
As Pan-Africanism resurfaces within youth movements, academic discourse, and political rhetoric across the continent, it is crucial to reassess whether ECOWAS can still live up to its founding vision or whether it now teeters on the edge of irrelevance.
Pan-Africanism is more than a political ideology; it is a socio-cultural and economic vision advocating for unity among African peoples across the continent. In the 1960s and 70s, Pan-Africanism, spearheaded by figures like Dr Kwame Nkrumah, led to the creation of organisations such as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which would later inspire the formation of ECOWAS. These efforts were grounded in the belief that African problems required African solutions. Blessed with abundant natural resources, West Africa believed that this wealth would serve as the engine of regional prosperity.
In today’s geopolitical climate, Pan-Africanism is making a comeback. From Afrobeats to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), from Pan-African digital currencies such as AFRO and eNaira to anti-colonial discourse on social media, a new generation is reviving the vision of a united Africa.
But does ECOWAS reflect that renewed energy? Not quite. The organisation remains tethered to outdated ideals, even as it attempts to modernise its economic and political mechanisms to address the aspirations of a new, globalised generation of Africans.
The endorsement of Morocco’s 2023 Atlantic port initiative by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso is telling. These countries, subject to ECOWAS sanctions following military coups, have lost an estimated $1.5 billion in trade. ECOWAS’s response has appeared weak, casting doubt on its capacity to manage crises or maintain unity among member states.f
As ECOWAS approaches its fiftieth anniversary, it faces profound challenges. Military coups and economic instability continue to dominate headlines, while younger generations are increasingly disillusioned with an organisation once associated with regional progress and cooperation. Despite being the demographic most affected by policies on education, migration, employment, security, and climate change, young Africans often feel excluded from ECOWAS’s agenda. This disconnect not only undermines the bloc’s legitimacy but also threatens its future relevance in the Pan-African project.
The dynamics of the bloc are under siege, as many leaders appear unwilling to implement innovative strategies for long-term prosperity. Instead, they look externally for solutions. Meanwhile, a digitally aware and globally engaged youth population is embracing new paradigms—such as globalisation and technological integration—while remaining sceptical of ECOWAS’s outdated communications and lack of meaningful engagement.
To many young Africans, ECOWAS resembles an old men’s club out of touch and ideas. Its leadership is often described as ‘clueless’ and ‘old-fashioned’, focusing more on ideological grandstanding than tangible outcomes.
Youth employment, for example, is a precise and actionable goal, yet it receives little attention from the organisation. Limited cross-border mobility and chronic underemployment have driven some young people towards criminal enterprises, reflecting growing frustration and lost faith.
ECOWAS’s efforts to foster regional prosperity are faltering. The term ‘club of presidents’ is increasingly used to describe the organisation’s image as aloof, elite-driven, and detached from the realities on the ground.
Its emphasis on trade, sanctions, and political transitions often appears at odds with the needs of its people. Instead of providing solutions, ECOWAS is seen by many as a source of discomfort and discontent. While initiatives such as the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) and the ECOWAS Youth Parliament exist, their impact is minimal due to insufficient funding and limited influence over policymaking.
West Africa’s future is undeniably youthful, but ECOWAS cannot lead that future if it remains anchored in outdated structures and elite-driven politics. If Pan-Africanism is to resonate with today’s generation, it must be embodied by institutions that listen, represent, and empower. The choice is stark: evolve or erode. ECOWAS must reimagine itself, not merely as a regional bloc, but as a platform where young Africans can shape their shared destiny.
