21-03-2023 15:30
Giving opportunities: job creation and decent work to eradicate poverty

Kuulamised DEVE
European Parliament premises, Brussels, room Spinelli 1G2 + online
Group of young people listening to a man transmitting his knowledge in aquaculture at his farm
Nigeria, IFAD Value Chain Development Programme, June 2016 © IFAD Andrew Esiebo Panos

On 21 March, the Committee on Development held a public hearing on how to create sustainable and decent employment opportunities in Africa for its increasingly young population.

African youth aged 15-24 constitute around two thirds of the continent's population and that is why employment growth and decent working conditions are essential for sustainable development. Currently, over 80% of jobs in Sub Saharan Africa are in family agriculture or in small household enterprises with extremely low incomes.

Members discussed regional policy developments and grassroots projects that offer opportunities for young people and enhance sustainable development.

Speakers presented strategies how to create local talent ecosystems - with a case study of African vaccine manufacturing - and how to involve the private sector in developing entrepreneurs and enterprises by more effectively linking Vocational Education and Training to job creation.

The hearing looked at current EU development actions in the field of job creation, access to decent work as well as training and education, with a focus on the EU-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package.