The African Union (AU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have been working together to promote social justice and employment opportunities across the continent. Through the adoption of key strategies such as the AU-ILO Youth Employment Strategy, the Fair & Ethical Recruitment Strategy for Africa, and the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) Ecosystem, significant progress has been made in advancing these goals.
The SSE ecosystem, which is grounded in principles of social justice, has been a central focus of the AU’s efforts. This ecosystem promotes fair distribution of resources, equality, and empowerment of marginalized communities. Cooperatives, a key component of the SSE, play a crucial role in creating employment and income-generating opportunities, supporting skills development, promoting collective action, improving access to markets, and contributing to environmental sustainability.
The AU’s commitment to the SSE was highlighted at the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE-5). The theme of the session, „Promoting Social and Solidarity Economy Ecosystems,“ aligns with the AU’s mission to foster social justice and equality. The development of the AU Ten-Year Social and Solidarity Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (2023-2032) marks a significant milestone in strengthening SSE in Africa.
At the STC meeting, ILO Assistant Director-General & Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo emphasized the importance of advancing social justice in Africa. She highlighted that 23 countries and 34 social partner organizations across Africa are part of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, urging others to join in this collective effort.
In addition to the SSE, the AU and ILO have collaborated on the AU/ILO Youth Employment Strategy for Africa, also known as „YES-Africa.“ This comprehensive framework aims to create decent jobs for all African youth and trigger structural transformation in the world of work. With a significant percentage of young people in Africa not engaged in employment, education, or training, transformative change is essential to unlock their full potential.
Furthermore, the AU and ILO have worked together on the Fair and Ethical Recruitment Strategy for Africa as part of the Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP). This strategy supports the development of continental guidelines, labor market information systems, and national labor migration policies across Africa.
Overall, the partnership between the AU and ILO has been instrumental in advancing social justice, promoting employment opportunities, and empowering marginalized communities across Africa. By implementing key strategies and frameworks, both organizations are working towards a future where social justice is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all.