Addis Ababa, 28 May 2026 –The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is piloting a new initiative to accelerate the implementation of national youth policies to create more decent jobs and productive entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.
Under the initiative, ‘Strengthening Youth Policy Implementation and Employment Pathways in Africa’, ECA hosted a local workshop in Dire Dawa and a regional Expert Group Meeting in Addis Ababa to help turn youth policies into real livelihood opportunities on the ground.
Africa is home to the world’s largest youth population, with more than 400 million young people aged 15 to 35. While many African countries have made progress in developing national youth policies, the focus is now on ensuring they fully deliver in practice, from equipping young people with the right skills and education to helping them find jobs or start businesses.
The Dire Dawa workshop, held from 11 to 13 February 2026 at the request of the City Administration, focused on local delivery of Ethiopia’s National Youth Policy. It brought together local government institutions, youth networks, civil society and private sector representatives to review progress and co-create practical, city-specific solutions.
Through focus group discussions, young people - including entrepreneurs, unemployed youth and recent graduates - shared how they move from skills to jobs or entrepreneurship, and how this journey can be better supported.
Speaking after the workshop, young people in Dire Dawa highlighted the need for greater support. “After skills training, young people need tools, equipment and access to markets. Without these, it becomes difficult to turn skills into income,” said Mr. Buzayew Abebe, a young entrepreneur based in Dire Dawa. “Young people are ready to work and contribute to development. What we need is opportunity that allows us to stand on our own feet.”
‘Everyone’s responsibility’
Building on insights from Dire Dawa, ECA hosted a regional Expert Group Meeting in Addis Ababa from 22 to 24 March 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member countries, the Government of Djibouti, Dire Dawa City Administration, academia and youth-led businesses to identify practical ways to accelerate youth policy implementation across Africa.
Mr. Sam Ogwal, IGAD’s Special Youth Envoy, said: “This meeting provided more insightful discussion on how best we can ensure that youth policies are implemented. One thing that came out clearly is the need for governments to take a holistic approach. It is not only for the Ministry of Youth or young people, but for everyone to take responsibility to help achieve the goals of youth policies… By working together, we can achieve them.”
He pointed to key takeaways from the meeting, including bringing national youth councils on board, making education more relevant to youth and easing regulations for youth-led start-ups, which he said can expand opportunities for young people.
In this regard, Mr. Ogwal described ECA’s initiative as a positive step in identifying areas for improvement and providing tools to support advocacy for youth development in the region.
A diagnostic tool
The discussions will contribute to an upcoming ECA solution-oriented study, co-produced with Oxford Economics. It is designed as a practical diagnostic tool to help African countries strengthen how existing youth policies can deliver greater results.
Ms. Zuzana Schwidrowski, Director of ECA’s Socio-Economic Development Division, said: “Africa’s youth are its greatest asset, but this potential will not realise itself. It must be intentionally nurtured, supported and connected to decent opportunities.”
She added: “That is why ECA is piloting this initiative to accelerate the delivery of youth policies and to better support young people in building sustainable livelihoods. Through stronger coordination, improved data and more effective implementation, we can ensure Africa’s youth become not only a promise for the future, but a positive force for transformation today.”
Local authorities also welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of translating policy into action. “The youth in Dire Dawa face challenges in accessing opportunities. We need clear policies that recognize their role as core members of society,” said Mr. Jemal Ibrahim God, Planning Manager at the Dire Dawa City Administration. “National policies provide the framework, but targeted implementation at the local level is critical to success.”
Findings from both the workshop and the Expert Group Meeting will also inform a regional peer-learning exercise under IGAD.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org