The 3rd African Job Creation Forum continues in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, gathering high-level policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, and youth representatives from across the continent. Officially opened on July 7, the event marks a major step forward in Africa’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment and boost economic transformation through regional integration.
The Forum was launched in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh, and hosted by the Minister of Labor and Skills, Mrs. Muferiat Kamil, in collaboration with the African Union, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the African Electronic Trade Group. This year’s event also aligns with the 5th Africa Integration Day, further highlighting the significance of cooperation among African nations.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized that the Forum is not just a conference, but a continuation of Ethiopia’s 10-year indigenous reform agenda, which he said is creating “an economic environment of growth, fair use, and where no one is left behind.” He added, “Our youth is not a burden but a strength and a promise.”
The theme for this year’s Forum focuses on advancing job creation and economic resilience through regional integration, digital and financial inclusion, and strengthening agricultural value chains within the AfCFTA market. Minister Muferiat Kamil underscored the urgent need to empower young Africans, especially in rural areas, through innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development tailored to emerging markets and digital platforms.
As the Forum entered its second day on July 8, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, called on African states to move beyond dialogue and take bold, coordinated action to address the continent’s employment crisis. He urged governments to accelerate agricultural industrialization, expand youth access to finance and digital tools, and fast-track the ratification and implementation of protocols such as the free movement of persons.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in high-level discussions on cross-border labor mobility, logistics infrastructure, financing for agribusiness SMEs, and the role of tech startups in transforming agricultural value chains. There was a shared understanding that Africa’s agriculture sector, which employs more than 60% of the population, must evolve to meet the needs of modern economies and youth employment.
The African Job Creation Forum also gave voice to young entrepreneurs who shared success stories and challenges. Several speakers called for strengthening Pan-African financial institutions that can support innovation at scale, and for building ecosystems that allow youth-led businesses to thrive beyond borders.
Today’s discussions placed strong emphasis on the importance of partnerships across sectors and regions. Regional integration, panelists argued, is no longer an abstract goal but a practical necessity for generating millions of jobs in the years to come. The AfCFTA was repeatedly highlighted as a powerful vehicle for connecting African economies and unlocking inclusive growth.
The Forum will conclude on July 9 with workshops focused on public-private partnerships, inclusive investment mechanisms, and digital innovation in the employment sector. A joint declaration and roadmap for implementation are expected to follow.
As Addis Ababa hosts this crucial gathering, it is increasingly clear that the time for continental action is now. Investing in Africa’s youth is not only a moral imperative but a strategic one and this Forum serves as a bold reminder that with the right tools, vision, and cooperation, Africa’s future can be shaped by the talents of its own people.
Ermias Tilahun | Correspondent | Ethiopia
