ECA highlights urgent need to transform informal work into sustainable livelihoods for Africa's youth

New York, 15 July 2026 (ECA) - The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Offices for Eastern and Central Africa, convened a side event on the margins of the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), bringing together policymakers, development partners, academics, youth representatives and United Nations agencies to discuss pathways for transforming informal work into sustainable livelihoods for young people across Africa.

Held under the theme "From Informal Work to Sustainable Livelihoods: Youth Pathways in Fragile Cities in Africa," the event focused on solutions to address youth unemployment, skills gaps, limited access to finance, inclusive urban development, entrepreneurship and partnerships for scalable impact

At the opening of the event, Mr. Claver Gatete, the Executive Secretary of ECA underscored the importance of harmonizing and standardizing education systems, professional qualifications and skills certification across Africa to facilitate labour mobility and enable young people to access employment opportunities beyond national borders.

Participants emphasized that greater regional integration of qualifications would help unlock the continent's human capital potential and support the aspirations of Agenda 2063. They also highlighted the urgent need to expand young people's access to finance, business development services and entrepreneurial support ecosystems.

Limited access to credit and investment remains one of the most significant barriers preventing young entrepreneurs from starting, growing and formalizing businesses. Strengthening financial inclusion and entrepreneurship support was identified as critical for productive employment and sustainable economic transformation.

The conversation examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies on the future of work. Participants noted that while AI presents significant opportunities for innovation, productivity and economic growth, it also raises important questions about its impact on employment, particularly for Africa's large and growing youth population.

Participants further noted that investing in young people generates significant social and economic returns, strengthening communities, improving livelihoods and contributing to national development. Youth were recognized not only as beneficiaries of development interventions but also as key drivers of innovation, resilience and economic growth.

The event stressed the urgency of ensuring that Africa's rapid urbanization becomes more inclusive, resilient and sustainable, particularly in fragile and crisis-affected urban settings. Participants called for stronger efforts to create decent jobs, support youth-led enterprises and improve access to economic opportunities in cities facing the combined pressures of population growth, displacement, climate shocks and economic fragility.

The side event attracted strong participation from across the international community, with particularly notable engagement from university students and young people, reflecting growing interest in employment creation, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for Africa's rapidly expanding youth population.

Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: [email protected]