ECA supports the implementation of youth employment policies in West Africa

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ECA supports the implementation of youth employment policies in West Africa

Accra, 27 June 2012 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) provided technical and financial support to the Foundation for Future Leaders International (FFLI) for the organization of a subregional meeting on the theme

“Youth employment: implementation of strategies to address youth unemployment in West Africa.” The meeting, held in Accra, Ghana, on 25 and 26 June 2012, provided an opportunity for youth entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to analyze major challenges and concerns, review the existing policy framework, and provides direction for addressing youth unemployment in West Africa.

Mr. Joseph Atta-Mensah, addressing the meeting on behalf of the Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA, Mr.

Abdoulie Janneh, underlined that the ultimate successful transformation of Africa depends to a great extend on how energies, skills, and talents are utilized by her rapidly expanding youth population. He also noted that youth unemployment challenges in West Africa include low levels of education, limited access to finance and land, and a general lack of opportunities.

The meeting reviewed the policy frameworks of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Youth Decade and Plan of Action. The presentations and ensuing discussions emphasized that, although these frameworks promote private sector participation in youth employment initiatives, most programmes are managed by the state or public institutions without encouraging a substantive participation of the private actors. In light of this, the meeting recommended that the private sector be empowered to play a more pro-active role in job creation and the implementation of youth employment policies.

Moreover, the private sector was advised to contribute to the design of innovative, market-oriented educational programmes that would equip youth with viable skills. Other recommendations of the meeting called for improved youth empowerment in the labor market, strengthening of funding mechanisms, attitudinal and value change, and concrete implementation of national employment strategies.

The meeting adopted the Accra Declaration on the implementation of strategic policy frameworks for youth employment in West Africa. FFLI, in collaboration with UNECA, will ensure the effective implementation of the Declaration, and sustain further dialogue with the youth and other stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by governmental experts from ECOWAS member States, youth organizations, private sector representatives, youth development specialists, academia, and experts from the United Nations.