African Union unveils comprehensive strategies to combat youth unemployment and promote social justice

The African Union (AU) has launched a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment and fostering social justice across the continent. These new strategies, developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), focus on key areas including the social economy, youth employment, fair recruitment, and minimum wage standards.

Key Highlights:

1. AU-ILO Youth Employment Strategy (YES-Africa): This framework aims to create decent jobs for African youth, addressing the critical issue of 26% of young people being neither in employment, education, nor training.
2. Fair and Ethical Recruitment Strategy for Africa: Part of the Joint Labour Migration Programme, this strategy supports the development of continental guidelines and labour market information systems.
3. Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) Ecosystem: Promotes fair resource distribution, equality, and empowerment of underprivileged groups through cooperatives and other social enterprises.
4. AU 10-year Social and Solidarity Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (2023-2032): A significant milestone in strengthening SSE across Africa.

These initiatives are part of the AU-ILO Joint Operational Plan, which aligns with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the ILO Abidjan Declaration. The strategies were introduced at the fifth ordinary session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour, and Employment.

ILO Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo, emphasised the importance of these efforts, stating, “Together, we can build a future where social justice is not just an aspiration but a living reality for all.”

Implementation and Support:

• The AU Commission and ILO will support member states in developing sustainable financing mechanisms.
• Member states are encouraged to strengthen public-private partnerships for job creation and youth upskilling.
• 23 countries and 34 social partner organisations across Africa have joined the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

These comprehensive strategies demonstrate the AU’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment, promoting fair labour practices, and fostering social justice across Africa. As these initiatives unfold, they are expected to drive significant positive change in the continent’s employment landscape and socio-economic development.