The Government of Liberia has signed a landmark Host Country Agreement to establish the ECOWAS Youth Development Center within its borders. The agreement was formalized on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in a ceremony between Her Excellency Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, and Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the center will function as a premier regional hub dedicated to youth empowerment and sports development. This strategic placement is expected to bolster Liberia’s role as a key advocate for peace, unity, and sustainable growth across West Africa.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Foreign Minister Nyanti hailed the agreement as a transformative achievement. “This agreement is not only a win for Liberia but for the entire ECOWAS community,” she stated. “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.”
Minister Nyanti also extended gratitude to key national institutions and stakeholders whose efforts made the agreement possible, specifically acknowledging the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Liberia’s ECOWAS legislators for their direct support and advocacy.
The establishment of the center represents a concrete step in regional integration, positioning Liberia at the forefront of cultivating youth talent and leadership for the future of the sub-region.
