The impact of crises exacerbates social and economic inequality, as seen during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, during which women have accounted for more than half of all job losses, despite representing only 40 per cent of global workers.1 In Africa, crises hurts women and young people the most because they are highly concentrated in the informal sector. Although young people play an important role in communities, they frequently face difficulties such as disproportionately high levels of unemployment; insufficient access to education, finance and professional training; intolerance; and exclusion. Moreover, the measures put in place by African countries in response to crises do not always meet expectations, particularly forthe most vulnerable people, including women and young people. A more inclusive recovery will therefore require better access to financial mechanisms to create decent jobs for women and young people.