ECOWAS welcomes interns for 10th Young Graduate Immersion Programme

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially welcomed participants of its 10th Young Graduates Immersion Programme.

This reaffirms the regional bloc’s commitment to youth empowerment and regional integration.

The 2026 intake was formally launched on August 26, 2025, through the programme’s dedicated digital platform.

This year’s edition attracted a record 39,600 applications from across the ECOWAS region, highlighting the initiative’s growing appeal among young West Africans.

The programme, which began in 2017, provides graduates with hands-on experience across ECOWAS institutions and agencies.

It is designed to strengthen youth participation in regional governance while nurturing skills in administration, policy development, and institutional excellence.

Since its inception, the Young Graduates Immersion Programme has helped position youth as key contributors to the region’s integration agenda.

Participants are given the opportunity to work closely with ECOWAS professionals, gaining exposure to decision-making processes and the operations of regional institutions.

According to ECOWAS, the programme is a cornerstone for grooming the next generation of leaders in West Africa, emphasizing that youth engagement is critical for sustainable development and institutional growth across member states.