Africa seeks united plan to tackle unemployment, poverty
African leaders and labor experts have gathered in Windhoek for the African Union's Sixth Ordinary Session to address unemployment, poverty, and social protection. The conference aims to develop unified policy frameworks to improve labor conditions and regulate the continent's informal economy.
Why it matters
Coordinated continental policy is essential for addressing systemic socio-economic challenges that affect millions of young people across Africa.
African leaders, labour experts, employers and trade unions have gathered in Windhoek to agree on practical policies that will strengthen social protection systems, create more jobs and improve the lives of millions of people across the continent.
Namibia is hosting the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Social Development, Labour and Employment from 27 to 31 July 2026 under the theme, “Investing, Strengthening and Expanding Social Protection Systems in Africa: A Critical Enabler for Inclusion, Resilience and Social Justice.”
More than 450 delegates, including 22 African ministers responsible for social development, labour and employment, are attending the five-day meeting in Windhoek.
The conference seeks to develop policy recommendations and commitments to help African countries address unemployment, poverty, inequality, and social exclusion through stronger social protection systems.
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