
The international community continues to confront a confluence of profound challenges, stemming from the lingering aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to the threats of climate change and the persistence of armed conflicts.
These crises have not only undermined global peace and stability, but also deepened economic hardship, eroding the foundations of global economic order. Thus, recovery has become an increasingly arduous, making the prospect for employment uncertain and bleak, particularly the most vulnerable populations; the youth.
Today, youth unemployment remains high across the globe, trapping millions in a cycle of poverty, social exclusion, and underemployment.
Nowhere is this burden felt acutely than in Africa, where structural deficiencies – inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and technology, and widespread environmental degradation have intensified. Though it is a global problem, young Africans face a stark reality: fewer jobs, shrinking opportunities, and dimming hopes. The pressures significantly hamper development, worsen living conditions, and obstruct long-term progress.
To change course and address its root causes, a transformative, bold employment-centered approach that places young people and the planet at the very heart of recovery is critical. This includes massive investment in green sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient infrastructure. Equally strengthening continent-wide solidarity, cooperation, and coordination are vital tools for reducing inequality and creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.
These notions were also reflected at the 20th ILO Regional Conference for Labour-based Practitioners, which commenced on Monday May 19, 2025.
Held under the theme “Resilient Communities and Healthy Environment: The Employment Intensive Investment Program (EIIP) Approach”, the conference underscored the critical role of employment-intensive investments in building sustainable and equitable societies.
Opening the conference, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Tagese Chafo underlined the urgent need for collaboration and coordinated action in Africa to combat poverty and inequality.
Emphasizing the need to integrate labor-based investment strategies into broader development agendas, he urged African countries to join hands and exert collective action for inclusive job growth strategies and investment approaches that place people at the center of development.
Indeed, Ethiopia is actively responding to these challenges by working to expand job opportunities and meet the growing employment demands of its youth population. Through its 10-year plan and implementation of various platforms, including skills development programs, strengthening employee-employer relations, and digital literacy initiative like the 5 Million Ethiopian Coders, the country has made significant strides in the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs both locally and internationally across various sectors.
Simultaneously, with a strong focus on sustainable development, Ethiopia is promoting a green economy by investing in renewable energy like hydropower and solar, adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices and reforestation efforts. Initiative such as the Green Legacy campaign, which has already seen billions of trees planted to fight deforestation, is an indication of its commitment to an environmentally responsible future.
Unquestionably, Africa is home to the youngest populations, which is a powerful asset with immense potential. When empowered and meaningfully engaged, it can drive transformative change, fueling economic growth, innovation, and development that advances not only national progress, but the continent’s long-term prosperity and global standing.
The core message of the conference was clear: employment-intensive investments must be at the center of Africa’s development strategies. This is how we can create jobs, build resilience and ensure no one is left behind.
This goes beyond a simple policy recommendation; but both a moral duty and an economic imperative. Thus, if we are to build a more just, inclusive, and resilient future, we must act now. Coordinated global strategies must place youth employment and sustainability at the heart of recovery. Because when we invest in young people and the planet, we invest in lasting peace, shared prosperity, and progress for all.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 21 MAY 2025