The African Union (AU) has taken significant strides in promoting social justice and employment opportunities across the continent through adopting the AU-ILO Youth Employment Strategy and the Fair & Ethical Recruitment Strategy for Africa in addition to the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) Ecosystem. These are all key results of the AU-ILO Joint Operational Plan which draws on AU's Agenda 2063 and the ILO Abidjan Declaration.
The SSE ecosystem, grounded in the core tenets of social justice, has been a focal point of the AU's efforts. It promotes fair distribution of resources, equality, and gives voice and agency to the underprivileged. Cooperatives, a key component of the SSE, create employment and income-generating opportunities, support skills development, promote collective action, improve access to markets, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
The AU's commitment to the SSE was highlighted at the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE-5). The theme of the session, "Promoting Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystems," resonates with the AU's mission. The development of the AU Ten-Year Social and Solidarity Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (2023-2032) is a significant milestone in bolstering SSE in Africa.
© ILO/Homa Ejeta Speaking at the STC meeting, ILO Assistant Director-General & Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo said "23 countries & 34 social partner organizations across Africa are part of the Global Coalition for Social Justice" & urged all others to follow suit.
"The topics on the agenda of this STC underscores one message: our quest to advance social justice in Africa! This is precisely the mission of the Global Coalition for Social Justice. Together, we can build a future where social justice is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all," the Regional Director highlighted.
AUC and ILO will support AU member states in developing a sustainable financing mechanism, including domestic and external sources.
In addition to the SSE, the AU has partnered with the ILO to develop the AU/ILO Youth Employment Strategy for Africa, also known as "YES-Africa".
© ILO/Homa Ejeta This comprehensive framework aims to trigger structural transformation and change the world of work by creating decent jobs for all African youth. With 26 per cent of young people in Africa neither in employment, education or training, transformative change is indeed needed to deliver a future in which they can harness their full potential.
It is recommended that member states need to strengthen public private partnerships for job creation, decent jobs and upskilling of the youth the meet labour market demands in implementing the YES Africa.
© ILO/Homa Ejeta The AU and ILO have also collaborated on the Fair and Ethical Recruitment Strategy for Africa. This strategy is part of the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP), which has supported the development of continental guidelines, labour market and labour migration information management systems, and national labour migration policies across Africa.
The representative from the African Union Geneva Office, presented updates from accomplished and planned activities related to ILO in Geneva which include activities related to youth employment, international labour standards, labour and employment.
