Partnership for sustainable development
ECA and ILO forge partnership to promote social justice and inclusive economic growth in Africa
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and ILO have signed a groundbreaking MoU to advance social justice and inclusive economic growth across Africa. The partnership will focus on job creation, youth and women’s empowerment, social protection, and sustainable development—paving the way for a more equitable future for all.
22 May 2025
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ILO News) — Millions of young people, women, and informal workers across Africa stand to benefit from a new partnership between the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), aimed at accelerating job creation, inclusive economic growth, and social justice at a time of urgent socioeconomic challenges for the continent.
The new partnership agreement, between the ECA and the ILO, was signed at the ECA in a signing ceremony that took place on 22nd May 2025, by Ms. Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, the ILO’s Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Africa, and Mr. Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA.
This MoU indicates a mutual commitment for stronger cooperation between the two organizations for the realization of social justice through the promotion of pro-employment macroeconomic and sectoral policies, emphasizing on fiscal measures and initiatives for job creation, with a special focus on youth, women, skills development, social protection, statistics, digitalization, climate change, trade, labour migration and the informal economy. The partnership will also extend to fostering sustainable enterprises and inclusive market systems, all aimed at advancing structural transformation and economic growth that generates sustainable employment.
This MoU aims to bolster collaboration between the ECA and the ILO, on a non-exclusive basis, in areas of common interest and to establish the arrangements necessary for the implementation, of the agreed areas of collaboration. This MoU is expected to have a profound impact on the social landscape of Africa. By combining the expertise and resources of UN ECA and ILO, the partnership aims to reduce inequalities and enhance social inclusion; empower communities through equitable access to resources and opportunities and promote sustainable development by ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of society.
“This MoU represents not just a formal agreement, but a shared vision and commitment to promote decent work, trade, economic development, and social justice across the continent,” said Ms. Kayirangwa in her remarks. “We are signing this at a time when Africa faces multiple socioeconomic challenges—from high youth unemployment and labour informality to limited social protection coverage. This partnership empowers us to tackle them more effectively, together.”
Echoing these priorities, Mr. Gatete emphasized the importance of institutional synergy: “This renewed partnership comes at a pivotal time. At this stage, the focus on jobs becomes especially relevant—and that’s where your support within the UN system is critical. It's not just about job creation, but also about the quality and standardization of employment across sectors. Strengthening our cooperation with the ILO is both timely and essential to delivering sustainable, people-centered solutions,”
The co-operation between the ECA and ILO is guided by the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, particularly concerning its aspiration for “a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development” aiming at “a high standard of living, quality of life and well-being for all citizens.” This cooperation fosters our joint action to implement the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, and the 2019 Abidjan Declaration on Shaping the Future of Work in Africa, the guiding framework for ILO’s work on the continent.
As Africa continues to navigate a complex global environment, this MoU underscores the shared commitment to fostering social justice in Africa, and the collaborative efforts of UN ECA and ILO are poised to build an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all Africans.
For further information, please contact:
Aida Awel, Chief Technical Adviser | ILO CO Addis Ababa | E-mail: [email protected]
Maria Dombaxi, | UN ECA| E-mail: [email protected]