Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
THE United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called on African countries to harmonise their education systems and expand access to finance to help transition young people from precarious informal employment into sustainable livelihoods.
The call was made during a side event convened by the ECA’s Offices for Eastern and Central Africa on the sidelines of the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York.
Held under the theme, “From Informal Work to Sustainable Livelihoods: Youth Pathways in Fragile Cities in Africa,” the event brought together policymakers, development partners, academics, youth representatives and United Nations agencies to explore solutions to youth unemployment, skills gaps, inclusive urban development and entrepreneurship.
Opening the event, ECA Executive Secretary Mr Claver Gatete underscored the need to harmonise and standardise education systems, professional qualifications and skills certification across the continent to facilitate labour mobility and enable young people to access employment opportunities beyond their national borders.
Participants said greater regional recognition of qualifications would unlock Africa’s human capital potential and accelerate the attainment of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The discussions also highlighted the urgent need to improve young people’s access to finance, business development services and entrepreneurial support systems.
“Limited access to credit and investment remains one of the most significant barriers preventing young entrepreneurs from starting, growing and formalising businesses,” participants noted.
They identified strengthened financial inclusion and entrepreneurship support as critical to creating productive employment and driving sustainable economic transformation.
The forum also examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies on the future of work.
While participants acknowledged that AI presents significant opportunities for innovation, productivity and economic growth, they also raised concerns about its potential impact on employment, particularly for Africa’s rapidly growing youth population.
The event further stressed the importance of ensuring that Africa’s rapid urbanisation is inclusive, resilient and sustainable, especially in fragile and crisis-affected urban areas.
Participants called for stronger efforts to create decent jobs, support youth-led enterprises and expand access to economic opportunities in cities grappling with rapid population growth, displacement, climate shocks and economic fragility.
They also noted that investing in young people yields substantial social and economic returns by strengthening communities, improving livelihoods and contributing to national development.
Youth, they said, should be recognised not only as beneficiaries of development programmes but also as key drivers of innovation, resilience and economic growth.
The side event attracted broad participation from across the international community, with particularly strong representation from university students and young people, reflecting growing interest in employment creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for Africa’s expanding youth population.
