The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) are intensifying their collaborative efforts to combat youth unemployment in the WAEMU region. This initiative comes in light of increasing population growth that is significantly outpacing job creation opportunities. The partnership was solidified during a recent high-level meeting held at the WAEMU Commission's headquarters in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where key discussions were held on creating a joint youth-employment program set to span from 2026 to 2030.

The meeting brought together prominent figures including Abdoulaye Diop, the President of WAEMU Commission, and a delegation from the ILO led by Coffi Dominique Agossou, Deputy Regional Director for Africa. Accompanying him were experts from various sectors of youth employment and skills development, emphasizing the need for coordinated strategies to provide young individuals with decent and productive employment opportunities. With the economies in West African countries struggling to provide sufficient jobs, this collaboration seeks to create actionable frameworks that will ultimately support the burgeoning youth population.

The proposed youth-employment program aims to address various aspects of employment, including skills training, job placement, and the creation of new job opportunities specifically tailored for young people. If successful, this initiative could significantly reduce unemployment rates in the region, offering hope for many young individuals who currently face stagnant job prospects. The commitment from both organizations marks a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable economic growth and stability in West Africa, reflecting a broader understanding of the importance of youth employment for the region's future emancipation from economic challenges.