In a significant move to address the pressing issue of illegal youth migration in West Africa, Honourable Mabinty Fatmata Funna, an influential female APC representative to the ECOWAS Parliament, presented a comprehensive proposal on July 6, 2024.
Honourable Funna highlighted the urgency of tackling youth migration and recommended a multifaceted strategy to curb this trend. Central to her approach is the need for robust economic development and job creation across ECOWAS member states.
She called for the promotion of entrepreneurship, substantial investment in education and skill development, and economic diversification.
Additionally, Honourable Funna emphasized the importance of improving the business environment, providing support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), investing in infrastructure, and promoting regional integration.
She also addressed the need to tackle political instability, enhance the digital economy, and encourage public-private partnerships.
Concluding her presentation, Honourable Mabinty Fatmata Funna urged member states to adopt a holistic approach to address the root causes of youth migration.
She stressed that addressing the underlying factors compelling young people to seek better opportunities abroad is crucial to resolving this issue.