Addis Ababa, May 22, 2025 (FMC) — The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed a landmark partnership agreement aimed at advancing social justice, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable job creation throughout Africa.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed today at the ECA headquarters in Addis Ababa by Ms. Fanfan Rwanyindo, ILO’s Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, and Mr. Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA.
The ILO Country Office in Ethiopia told Fana Media Corporation that the agreement focuses on promoting pro-employment macroeconomic and sectoral policies, with special emphasis on youth and women empowerment, skills development, social protection, and the informal economy.
The MoU also addresses critical cross-cutting issues such as digitalization, climate change, trade, labour migration, and the fostering of sustainable enterprises.
It aims to drive structural transformation and economic growth that generates sustainable employment opportunities across the continent, it has been learned.
This new partnership establishes a framework for cooperation on a non-exclusive basis, aiming to reduce inequalities and enhance social inclusion by ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all Africans.
It is expected to have a significant impact on Africa’s social and economic landscape.
At the signing ceremony, Ms. Kayirangwa highlighted the urgency of the agreement amid Africa’s high youth unemployment and limited social protection coverage.
“This MoU represents not just a formal agreement, but a shared vision and commitment to promote decent work, trade, economic development, and social justice across the continent,” she said.
Echoing these priorities, Mr. Gatete emphasized the importance of institutional synergy. “It’s not just about job creation, but also about the quality and standardization of employment across sectors. Strengthening our cooperation with the ILO is both timely and essential to delivering sustainable, people-centered solutions,” he remarked.
The partnership aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly the aspiration for “a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
It also builds on frameworks such as the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work and the 2019 Abidjan Declaration on Shaping the Future of Work in Africa, reinforcing the commitment to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Africans.