African Union Launches New Strategies To Combat Youth Unemployment

 African Union Launches New Strategies To Combat Youth Unemployment

The African Union has unveiled a series of strategic policies aimed at addressing youth unemployment across the continent. These initiatives include new frameworks for the social economy, youth employment, fair recruitment practices, and minimum wage standards…… CONTINUE READING

In a recent announcement, the AU highlighted its commitment to advancing social justice and creating job opportunities by adopting the AU-ILO Youth Employment Strategy, the Fair and Ethical Recruitment Strategy for Africa, and the Social Solidarity Economy Ecosystem. These efforts are part of the AU-ILO Joint Operational Plan, aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the ILO Abidjan Declaration.

“The Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) ecosystem is central to our approach,” stated the AU. “It fosters fair resource distribution, equality, and empowerment for marginalized communities. Cooperatives, a vital part of the SSE, create jobs, support skill development, enhance market access, and promote environmental sustainability.”

The AU’s dedication to SSE was emphasized during the fifth ordinary session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment, which focused on ‘Promoting Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystems.’ The development of the AU’s 10-year Social and Solidarity Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (2023-2032) marks a significant step forward in strengthening SSE across Africa.

Fanfan Rwanyindo, ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, urged broader participation in the Global Coalition for Social Justice. “Our agenda at this STC meeting reflects our drive to advance social justice across the continent,” Rwanyindo said. “Our goal is to make social justice a reality for all.”

The AU and ILO will assist member states in establishing sustainable financing mechanisms, both domestic and external. Additionally, the AU has partnered with the ILO to develop the AU/ILO Youth Employment Strategy for Africa, also known as “YES-Africa.” This framework aims to stimulate structural transformation and create quality jobs for African youth, addressing the 26 percent of young people currently not engaged in employment, education, or training.

The AU encourages member states to enhance public-private partnerships to generate jobs, ensure decent work conditions, and upskill the youth to meet market demands. Furthermore, the AU and ILO are collaborating on the Fair and Ethical Recruitment Strategy for Africa as part of their Joint Labour Migration Programme, which aims to establish comprehensive guidelines and national labor migration policies across the continent.

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