ILO strengthens youth employment in Cameroon

The visit of the ILO Regional Director to Cameroon reinforces support for the Presidential Programme for Youth and Women's Employment, with a focus on concrete results, social dialogue and inclusive policies.

30 April 2026

The ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, met with Cameroon's Minister of Employment and Vocational Training to strengthen cooperation aimed at creating decent jobs. © OIT

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YAOUNDÉ (ILO News) - The visit of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, to Cameroon paves the way for strengthened support to create decent jobs for young people and women, aligning national priorities with concrete, high-impact solutions in the world of work.

At the end of a two-day official mission, high-level discussions with Cameroonian authorities and social partners helped consolidate an action framework focused on measurable results, notably through support to the Presidential Special Programme for Youth and Women's Employment. The ILO will leverage its technical expertise to support the design, implementation and evaluation of this strategic plan, thereby contributing to sustainably improving access to employment and working conditions.

The ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, met with the Prime Minister and Head of Government of Cameroon, Joseph Dion Ngute, to strengthen cooperation in support of decent work.

"Cameroon can count on the International Labour Organization to continue providing its expertise and technical support to ensure the success of the Presidential Special Programme for Youth and Women's Employment," said Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, ILO Regional Director for Africa.

The Regional Director was accompanied by Claude Yao Kouame, Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for Central Africa and Director of the ILO Country Office for Cameroon, who will follow up on these commitments.

Received by the Prime Minister and Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute, the Regional Director noted strong interest in ILO technical support for the implementation of the programme, whose initial allocations and operational framework are being finalized. This support aims to ensure concrete results in job creation, particularly for young people and women.

During meetings with the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Grégoire Owona, particular emphasis was placed on strengthening social dialogue as a key driver of stability and effective public policies. Discussions also identified targeted interventions to accelerate the impact of existing programmes, particularly in the areas of workers' protection, respect for international labour standards and the promotion of tripartism.

ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, in discussion with the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, on priorities related to youth employment and skills development.

With the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, priorities related to youth employability were at the centre of discussions. The ILO will support the development of vocational training systems better aligned with labour market needs, while promoting innovative approaches to facilitate socio-professional integration, including for young people without formal training.

Consultations with employers' and workers' organizations reaffirmed the importance of tripartism, a founding principle of the ILO, which brings together governments, employers and workers in the design and implementation of employment and labour policies. This approach will be essential to revitalize bipartite and tripartite social dialogue, ensure effective implementation of employment policies and enhance enterprise productivity.

Finally, discussions with national institutions and United Nations agencies identified joint actions to promote the inclusion of migrants and internally displaced persons, create jobs for peace and resilience, and support vulnerable young people.

At the conclusion of her mission, Ms Rwanyindo Kayirangwa reaffirmed the commitment of the International Labour Organization to support Cameroon in implementing inclusive and sustainable policies, in the service of social justice and decent work for all.

The ILO Regional Director for Africa addressed the media alongside Mounouna Foutsou and Claude Yao Kouame to present the findings of her mission and discuss prospects for cooperation to promote youth employment.