West Africa Youth Assembly

11/08/2026

Quote of the Week | Citation de la semaine | Citação da Semana

This week Benedicta reminds us that Africa's problem is not lack of talent, resources, or ideas - we have all that in abundance. Our real gap is courageous leadership. The best leaders don't build applause today. They build systems, opportunities, and a better continent that their children will inherit, where opportunities are more than obstacles.

FRANÇAIS:
« L'Afrique ne manque pas de potentiel pour la grandeur ; elle a besoin de dirigeants ayant le courage de transformer son potentiel en réalité. Le vrai leadership africain ne consiste pas à occuper des postes de pouvoir, mais à accepter la responsabilité de construire un continent dont la prochaine génération héritera de plus d'opportunités que d'obstacles. »

PORTUGUÊS
« A África não carece de potencial para a grandeza; precisa de líderes com a coragem de transformar o seu potencial em realidade. A verdadeira liderança africana não se trata de ocupar cargos de poder, mas de aceitar a responsabilidade de construir um continente cuja próxima geração herdará mais oportunidades do que obstáculos. »


African Union

11/03/2026

11/01/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WAYA CONGRATULATES OUR MEMBER SELECTED FOR AUDA-NEPAD / ECOWAS COYWA COHORT II IN ACCRA, GHANA - COMMENDS ORGANISERS

The West Africa Youth Assembly (WAYA) proudly congratulates our esteemed member (Barr. Mrs. Favour Ugochukwu Ibe - Obijiofor. Coordinator, Ebonyi State of the WAYA chapter of Nigeria and CEO UF farms Nigeria Ltd ) on her successful selection and participation as one of the 65 emerging entrepreneurs from 12 West African countries selected for the just-concluded Creating Opportunities for Youth and Women in Africa (COYWA) - Cohort 2 Programme.

The training session, held from 26th to 30th October, 2026 in Accra, Ghana, was organized by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

We note that this year's cohort comprised 71% women, focusing on digital skills, financial literacy, responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, business productivity and regional market access.

On behalf of the entire WAYA Family says THANK YOU and we call on the organisers to scale this model across all West African countries. We urge AUDA-NEPAD and ECOWAS to set a bold target:
Promote local traders and women-led entrepreneurs, not less than 5 MILLION in West Africa before 2030.

We make this call with full assurance and offer our recent advocacy framework on Safe Transaction Border & Cross-Border Trade Facilitation under AfCFTA and ECOWAS Protocol for adaptation.

Once again, congratulations to our member. You have made WAYA proud. Accra was the classroom, West Africa is the marketplace.

Signed:
For: West Africa Youth Assembly
Mr. J.A Haifan Esq
Interim Chairman- WAYA Regional Council


African Union Ecowas - Cedeao @

10/31/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WEST AFRICA YOUTH ASSEMBLY TAKES WEST AFRICAN YOUTH VOICE TO THE WORLD FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY At STRASBOURG 2026

The West Africa Youth Assembly (WAYA), is proud to announce the active participation of its delegation in the ongoing World Forum for Democracy at Strasbourg Cedex, France.

Our delegation is in Strasbourg not simply to observe, but to contribute meaningfully: to share the aspirations, innovations, and lived experiences of West African youth; to engage global partners; and to identify best practices that can be adapted to strengthen democratic institutions across our region.

This achievement reflects five years of sustained advocacy for youth-inclusive governance in West Africa and the Sahel. WAYA believes that when young people are given a genuine seat at the table, democracy becomes more inclusive, responsive, and resilient.

WAYA extends its sincere appreciation to the Council of Europe and the organisers of the World Forum for Democracy for this distinguished opportunity, and for their continued commitment to youth inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and democratic innovation.

The Assembly also commends its Francophone representative, Hon. Yacine Ndiaya Sy Bao, for her dedication, professionalism, and exemplary preparation, which have contributed significantly to this important representation.

WAYA is confident that this engagement will open stronger partnerships, expand knowledge exchange, and create new opportunities for young people across West Africa.

We remain steadfast in our vision of West Africa where democracy delivers for all where young people are recognised not merely as beneficiaries of development, but as co-architects of a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.

Signed:
Mr. Junaidu Abdulkadir, Esq.
Interiem- Regional Chairman



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African Union United Nations Youth Ecowas - Cedeao-

10/26/2026

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO A TRAILBLAZER

On behalf of West Africa Youth Assembly (WAYA), representing the vibrant youth of the 12 ECOWAS Member States & Sahel Countries we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Hon. Mrs. Fatou Sow Sarr, Former Commissioner for Human and Social Development Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, on her well-deserved recognition as the Regional Gender Inclusion Champion 2026.

Your tenure at the ECOWAS Commission was defined by uncommon courage, compassion, and commitment to the cause of women, youth, and the vulnerable. You did not just occupy an office; you opened doors for millions of girls and women across West Africa.

This honour is not just a recognition of your past service, but a powerful validation of your lifelong advocacy for an inclusive and equitable West Africa. You are a role model to a generation of young women leaders.

We celebrate you, we honor you, and we are inspired by you.

Congratulations, Champion!

Signed.
Mr. Junaidu Abdulkadir Esq.
Interim Regional Chairman
West Africa Youth Assembly (WAYA)

10/24/2026

PRESS RELEASE
WAYA HOLDS SUCCESSFUL FAMILIARISATION MEETING WITH SIERRA LEONE HIGH COMMISSION IN NIGERIA

The leadership of the West Africa Youth Assembly (WAYA), held a successful familiarisation meeting with the High Commission of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Nigeria.

ABOUT THE MEETING:

The meeting was held ( on 22nd October, 2026) to formally introduce the West Africa Youth Assembly (WAYA) to the High Commission. WAYA delegation was warmly received by Mr Allieu Vandi Koroma Esq on behalf of his Excellency, the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone in Nigeria and his diplomatic staff.

Discussions centred on:
Introduction of WAYA and its activities in Nigeria and across West Africa; and
Request for Strategic Partnership between WAYA and the High Commission in the areas of youth exchange, leadership training, cultural diplomacy and community development. Above all for our upcoming programs.

WAYA expresses its profound appreciation to the Sierra Leone High Commission for the warm reception, fatherly advice and for opening its doors to West African youths.

We describe the meeting as highly diplomatic, motivational and historic. It has strengthened our resolve to deepen brotherhood between Nigeria and Sierra Leonean youths.

WAYA looks forward to a stronger working relationship with the High Commission.

Signed:
Mr. Junaidu Abdulkadir Esq
Leader, WAYA Delegation
*For: West Africa Youth Assembly (WAYA)


Cc: WAYA Nigeria Chapter

10/20/2026

🔥 2 DAYS TO GO!
Africa’s future is on the table! 🌍 This Thursday, WAYA Youth Pulse hosts its first-ever live debate: Climate Action vs Economic Growth *What Should Africa Prioritize?*

👀 Don’t miss the conversation!