PRETORIA – African countries marked International Workers’ Day 2025 with renewed pledges to address youth unemployment.

From Namibia’s flood-hit Oshana region to union gatherings in Senegal, leaders stressed the need for economic reforms, better wages and job opportunities for young people.

In Namibia, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed workers at a rally organized by the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW).

She pointed to the country’s 36.9% unemployment rate, including 44.4% among youth, and called the figures “unacceptable.” She emphasized investment in local industries and the importance of adding value to national resources.

The president highlighted government initiatives such as free education, internship programs and credit guarantees to support young entrepreneurs.

In Rwanda, Minister of Public Service and Labour Christine Nkulikiyinka said this year’s theme, “Job Creation, Our Shared Priority,” reflected a joint responsibility across public institutions, the private sector and citizens.

She stressed the importance of involving both young men and women in building a more productive and inclusive workforce. “Our youth are the drivers of Rwanda’s economic transformation,” she said.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Labour and Employment praised the contributions of workers in advancing the country’s development goals.

The government encouraged stronger partnerships between workers and the state.

In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed workers at a Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) event in Mpumalanga.

He commended COSATU for leading efforts to establish a national minimum wage and said the push for a living wage must continue.

“More and more people must get jobs. To make sure that poverty is eliminated in our country,” Ramaphosa encouraged unions to remain united to sustain the country’s transformation agenda.

Signs of Progress, Persistent Gaps

In Cameroon, Labour Minister Grégoire Owona said the government had simplified social security systems, leading to a rise in National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS) contributions from 92 billion to 212 billion CFA francs over the past decade.

He also said the national labor code is under review to reflect changes in the modern work environment.

Senegal workers’ unions gathered with the minister of labor to call for improvements in wages, working conditions and social protections.

Authorities said the event represented a step toward stronger dialogue and a fairer future for workers.

Across the continent, leaders agreed that youth must play a key role in national development. Still, employment outcomes remain limited.

ILO, African Union Push Joint Strategy as Region Falls Behind on Youth Employment Goals

According to the International Labour Organization, the lack of productive and decent jobs remains the biggest labor market challenge for young people in sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2023, the region’s youth NEET rate stood at 21.9%, above the global average of 20.4%.

The area is among three global regions considered “off track” in meeting Sustainable Development Goal 8.6.

In response, the African Union and ILO launched a joint youth employment strategy prioritizing pro-youth economic policies, expanded social protections, skills development and stronger youth participation in policymaking to drive the creation of decent jobs and structural economic transformation.