11th ILO African regional meetings: statement by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN under-secretary-general and executive secretary of ECA

Abstract

This Statement delivered by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA at the 11th ILO African Regional Meeting. Mr. Janneh, on his remarks highlighted that, Implementing the decent work agenda is a good starting point as it has helped to shift the development debate from narrow goals dealing with macroeconomic stabilization and an exclusive focus on markets to a broader set of goals that emphasize growth, poverty reduction, and the creation of decent employment. Employment creation for the larger part of the population is a very important element in the context of growth. It is therefore of serious concern that economic growth in Africa is not yet job-rich. It is unequally distributed and benefits a small segment of the population leaving out the poor majority, especially women and youth. Equally important in achieving the decent work agenda is the structural transformation and diversification of African economies into high growth and employment intensive sectors. Diversification is needed to deepen production structures and transform African economies so that they can create opportunities for decent work. ECA remains ready to support the achievement of the decent work agenda in Africa through the regional employment forum established at its 2006 Conference of Ministers.