Applications are officially open for the 2025 edition of the ECOWAS Youth Employability Project (ECOWAS-YEP), a strategic initiative launched by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to empower young Nigerians through hands-on training, mentorship, and skill development in the agricultural and agri-food sectors. This opportunity is designed to boost youth employability, promote sustainable development, and curb rising unemployment and irregular migration among young people in Nigeria.
If you are a young Nigerian passionate about agriculture, agribusiness, or environmental sustainability, this is your chance to receive internationally recognized training and gain essential entrepreneurial and vocational skills that can help you start or scale your business within the Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral Heuristics sector.
About the ECOWAS Youth Employability Project (ECOWAS-YEP)
The ECOWAS-YEP is an ambitious regional initiative of ECOWAS, developed to improve youth integration into the workforce and address persistent socio-economic challenges affecting young people across West Africa. In Nigeria, the program is being implemented in partnership with the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN). This collaboration aims to harness Nigeria’s vast youth potential by equipping participants with practical skills and business acumen to become active players in the agri-food and organic farming value chains.
The primary focus of the ECOWAS-YEP is the development of human capital through specialized training modules covering a wide range of agricultural disciplines. The project is particularly targeted at reducing youth unemployment by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities within organic agriculture and related sectors.
Strategic Objectives of the ECOWAS-YEP Program
The core objectives of the ECOWAS-YEP initiative are as follows:
To promote youth employment and professional integration through inclusive, sector-specific training and mentorship.
To reduce the incidence of irregular migration by providing viable career paths and economic empowerment opportunities.
To strengthen food security and agricultural productivity by training a new generation of agriculturally skilled entrepreneurs and professionals.
To accelerate value chain transformation within the Agro-Sylvo-Pastoral Heuristics sector by integrating youth-led innovations and sustainable practices.
To enhance the participation of women and marginalized groups in economic activities by offering equal access to training and resources.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
In order to be considered for participation in the ECOWAS-YEP 2025 cohort, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
Must be a citizen of Nigeria and legally resident within the country.
Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years of age at the time of application.
Must demonstrate a genuine interest in agriculture, agribusiness, or organic farming.
Both men and women are encouraged to apply; however, applications from women and individuals from marginalized or underserved communities are especially encouraged as part of the project’s inclusivity mandate.
There is no academic qualification restriction; however, passion, motivation, and a commitment to learning and contributing meaningfully to the organic agriculture sector will be critical to selection.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in the ECOWAS-YEP?
Participants selected for the ECOWAS Youth Employability Project will receive a rich package of training, mentorship, and support services, including:
Certification in Organic Agriculture after the successful completion of training.
Business Plan Development training with strategies for business scaling and sustainability.
Guidance on Cooperative Development and Management, enabling participants to organize into economically productive units.
Record-Keeping Skills essential for business tracking, monitoring, and reporting.
Practical instruction on Compost Production, Organic Pesticide Creation, and Liquid Fertilizer Formulation.
Technical skills in Potato Vine and Vegetable Crop Cultivation as well as Yam Set Preparation.
Specialized training on Sesame Cultivation and Ginger Production, including value addition for market competitiveness.
These benefits are aimed at building both technical and managerial competencies in agribusiness and sustainable agriculture.
Program Structure and Training Modules
The ECOWAS-YEP training program is organized into four key modules, combining both online and in-person learning formats to ensure flexibility, accessibility, and a balance between theory and practice.
Module 1: Foundational Courses (Mandatory for All Participants)
Delivery Mode: Fully Online
Duration: 1 Month
Course Content:
Introduction to Organic Agriculture (with certification)
Business Plan Development and Scaling Strategies
Cooperative Formation and Management
Financial Record Keeping for Agribusinesses
Module 2: Input Production Techniques
Location: Ibadan, Oyo State
Duration: 2 Months
Mode: Hybrid (2 weeks physical, 6 weeks virtual)
Course Content:
Compost Production Methods
Organic Pesticide Formulation
Liquid Fertilizer Production Techniques
Module 3: Production of Vines, Vegetables, and Yam Sets
Location: Umudike, Abia State
Duration: 5 Months
Mode: Hybrid (8 weeks physical, 12 weeks virtual)
Course Content:
Potato Vine Cultivation
Vegetable Crop Production and Maintenance
Yam Set Development and Multiplication
Module 4: Value Chain Development for Sesame and Ginger
Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
Duration: 6 Months
Mode: Hybrid (8 weeks physical, 16 weeks virtual)
Course Content:
Sesame Cultivation Practices
Ginger Production and Processing
Value Addition Techniques and Market Preparation
Each module is tailored to address specific segments of the agricultural value chain and provide participants with a competitive edge in both local and regional markets.
Why You Should Apply for ECOWAS-YEP 2025
Participating in the ECOWAS-YEP provides an unmatched opportunity for Nigerian youth to:
Gain industry-relevant, certified skills in sustainable agriculture.
Receive mentorship from experts and build connections within Nigeria’s growing organic agriculture movement.
Access training locations across Nigeria, making it inclusive and regionally diverse.
Be part of a continental strategy to reduce youth unemployment through empowerment and skills development.
Become a change agent in your community, especially if you are passionate about food systems, environmental sustainability, and youth development.
This project offers more than just training; it is a transformation pipeline for the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs and agricultural professionals.
How to Apply for the ECOWAS-YEP 2025
Interested and qualified individuals who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the ECOWAS Youth Employability Project by following the steps below:
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Visit the Official Application Portal: Click on the designated application link or button to access the registration page.
2. Complete the Online Form: Provide accurate personal details including your full name, age, gender, state of residence, and contact information.
3. Indicate Your Preferred Training Module: C
hoose from the four training modules depending on your area of interest and geographical convenience.
4. Submit Your Motivation Statement: Briefly explain your interest in organic agriculture
