The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called for the harmonisation of education systems and skills certification across the continent to expand employment opportunities for young people.
The appeal was made on Friday by the Executive Secretary of the ECA, Claver Gatete, during a side event at the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The session focused on transforming informal work into sustainable livelihoods for young people in Africa’s fragile cities.
Speaking at the event, Gatete said harmonised education systems and mutually recognised professional qualifications would make it easier for young Africans to secure employment across national borders. He noted that standardised skills certification would enable young people to access wider labour market opportunities, unlock Africa’s human capital, and advance the objectives of Agenda 2063.
The event brought together policymakers, development partners, academics, youth representatives, and United Nations agencies to explore strategies for improving employment prospects for young people across the continent.
Participants also observed that integrating qualifications across African countries would strengthen labour mobility, unlock the continent’s human capital, and accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063.
They identified limited access to finance as one of the principal barriers confronting young entrepreneurs and called for stronger financial inclusion initiatives and business support programmes to help young people establish and formalise their enterprises.
The participants also examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on Africa’s labour market and future of work.
While acknowledging that AI presents significant opportunities for innovation, productivity, and economic growth, they warned that the technology could also disrupt employment. They therefore stressed the importance of equipping young Africans with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The participants further described young people as critical drivers of innovation, resilience, and sustainable economic growth. They called for more inclusive urban development policies to expand access to decent work and economic opportunities in Africa’s fragile cities.
They also urged governments and development partners to strengthen support for youth-led enterprises and entrepreneurship across the continent.
