Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), 6 – 11 April 2025.
SDG 8: Decent Job and Economic Growth High-Level Session, Chaired by Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Lumumba, Minister for General Duties, Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda.
Your Excellency and esteemed leaders of Africa,
My name is Rafiu Olaore, and I am the Executive Director of the Youths Enterprise Development and Innovation Society (YEDIS) in Nigeria. I also represent the Western and Central African Regions at the Civil Society Policy Forum Working Group of the World Bank Group and IMF for the term 2024-2026.
I want to emphasise the need to enhance digital infrastructure and promote e-commerce across Africa. Creating meaningful employment opportunities is crucial for establishing a conducive environment that encourages favourable business conditions.
The current youth unemployment rate in developing nations across Africa is concerning and contributes to insecurity and various social crises. As noted by Ajay Banga, job creation is the most effective strategy for fostering self-sufficient economies, alleviating humanitarian needs, and stimulating demand for goods.
The youth in Africa possess remarkable entrepreneurial potential, talent, and resourcefulness. Regrettably, many are limited to unproductive employment opportunities, while some are fortunate to migrate to developed nations where their skills are better recognised. This situation arises due to inadequate institutional frameworks, an unfavourable business environment, and a lack of enabling resources.
To effectively tackle the unemployment crisis and promote inclusive growth, it is essential to encourage collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector. This collaboration can unlock productive, locally-driven trade opportunities within Africa. Importantly, engaging grassroots stakeholders in the policymaking process will yield insightful, innovative, and practical solutions to the continent’s ongoing challenges of poverty and insecurity.
As agents of change, nonprofit organizations and the private sector are vital in fostering skill development that aligns with local needs. Governments must implement stable regulatory reforms and develop the necessary infrastructure for sustainable growth. Africa must reaffirm its commitment to energy, infrastructure development, agribusiness, healthcare, digital technology, and manufacturing, all aimed at promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by youth and women, thus driving robust economic growth.
I appreciate the contributions from the moderator, Zuzana Sch, Director, Microeconomics Policy, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Waleed El-Zomor, International Trade Consultant, US Agency for International Development.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my insights.
Video Excerpts:
https://youtube.com/shorts/XxYJhl9LDcU?si=mqJYZF-MJgSkBFbB
https://youtube.com/shorts/wEIE8O4y68Q?si=hO7P2U4cyVIuo2_Q
