The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)has trained 150 youths in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, on table fish production. This is in line with ECOWAS Regional Strategy to support the employability of young people in the agro-sylvo-pastoral and fisheries sector. This training has also contributed to the human capital development revolution in Anambra state.
In its effort in Empowering West African Youths in the Agric Value Chain, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) trains 150 Youths in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, on Table Fish Production. This aims to boost job creation and support the employability of young people in the fisheries sector. According to a report, USD 1,033,991 has been provided by ECOWAS to train 3142 young people in the region, among whom 30% must be women.
“Our vision is to be the most visible and largest fish producing state in West Africa and we are particular about the areas we want to be largest. We want to be largest in fish finger production, we want to be best in fish food production and we also want to be largest in processed fish production”.
Emeka Iloghalu ,Training coordinator – Nigeria
The 4-months training that ended on March 19th 2024 is part of the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Strategy to support the employability of young people in the agro-sylvo-pastoral and fisheries sector under the ECOWAP broader implementation strategy. It is also part of the broader ECOWAS vision to move from an ECOWAS of States to an “ECOWAS of peoples: peace and prosperity for all” by 2050.
“Similarly we have other 24 centers or institutions across the ECOWAS 15 member states and that they have given us so that we can train the young people in various agric value chain”.
Alain Traoré, Director agriculture and rural development, ECOWAS commission – Côte d’Ivoire
In 2023, to initiate a proactive policy of setting up young Agric Business Entrepreneurs and developing the attractiveness of the sector, the ECOWAS Commission subsidized 25 Centers in Member States. This grant covers the 15 Research Centres of Excellence and Agronomic Specialisation as well as 10 Centers of Innovation and Training in Agroecology and Organic Production.
