ILO Horn of Africa

Abdi's story from Ethiopia showcases the incredible impact of #vocational #training. ? Through an International Labour Organization-supported program in Ethiopia, he went from a daily labour to a professional electrician, securing contracts and ensuring a better future for his family. ? Discover how this initiative, funded by the Government of the Netherlands and in partnership with Jigjiga Polytechnic College, is empowering young people in #refugee and host communities. ? Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4242dk4 ILO Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo, Khumbula Ndaba, ILO Horn of Africa, Peter van Rooij, Mia Seppo, Celeste Drakec, christine pirenne, RRSEthiopia Official, Stephen OPIO, Tiest Sondaal, Gizeshwork Tadesse Gurmu

To keep pace with the rapidly changing world of work and employment, governments are adopting sector approaches to their national skills development and education strategies. Despite the real problem of skill mismatch, the issue does not receive adequate and quality media coverage. In Ethiopia, the ILO ProAgro project, sponsored by BMZ, has supported the Ministry of Labour and Skills (MoLS) in setting up the first Sector Skills Body (SSB) in the agro-processing sector. This tripartite body is charting a new path with the private sector to promote policies and practices that make TVET systems relevant to the needs of employers and employees. Today, the SSB held a media engagement in Addis Ababa to enhance public awareness and understanding of its role. H.E. Dr. Teshale Berecha, State Minister for Technical and Vocational Education, MoLS, and Ndaba Khumbula, Director of the ILO Country Office, launched the event. The Ethiopian government acknowledged ILO’s strategic support and urged continued assistance. The two-month media engagement is led by the Ethiopian Employers Federation (EEF).

Through the International Labour Organization Siraye Leadership Development Programme, women like Meselech are strengthening their communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills - empowering them to take on greater responsibilities, lead with confidence, and uplift their colleagues. Meselech’s journey is a testament to the power of investing in leadership development. With a four-day face-to-face training, followed by continuous mentorship and coaching support, she has: ??Enhanced her ability to solve problems and lead discussions ??Created a more efficient, collaborative, and empowered team ??Helped her colleagues grow, fostering a more inclusive workplace As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Meselech’s story reminds us that when women lead, workplaces thrive. Investing in women’s leadership is not just about individual success—it’s about building stronger, more resilient industries and communities. #IWD2025

Celebrate?#IWD2025 with us! Join us as we reflect on progress, challenges & the future of women in the world of work. ???https://lnkd.in/e-fu8Nzk ??6 March ??12:30 CET #ForAllWomenAndGirls

Advancing Skills for Migration & Mobility in Africa! ?? The Inter-REC Dialogue on Skills for Migration & Mobility (#JLMPAction) is happening in Kigali, Rwanda: March 4-5, 2025 ! This game-changing initiative: ? Enhances labour mobility & employment for migrant workers. ? Shares real impact stories on skills recognition. ? Strengthens tripartite collaboration for skills portability & integration. ? Promotes mutual recognition of qualifications. Recognized skills = more opportunities, empowered workers & economic growth! ??? Khumbula Ndaba ILO Africa Fanfan Rwanyindo

??In #Ethiopia, Somali, livestock farming sustains communities, but challenges like erratic rainfall & limited grazing threaten its future. The ILO PROSPECTS and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse are driving change ?????? By introducing forage trees, hydroponic fodder & commercial feed, they’re boosting resilience, food security & livelihoods for hosts & refugees alike. ??

ILO launches project to advance living wages and income in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector Ethiopia takes reaffirmed commitment to fair wages and decent work in agriculture. The launch event, held in Addis Ababa, brought together government representatives, employers’ and workers’ organizations, development partners, and key stakeholders The International Labour Organization (ILO), with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has officially launched the Setting Adequate Wages in Agriculture (SAW-A) Project in Ethiopia. This initiative aims to promote fair wage policies, enhance collective bargaining, and support the establishment of minimum wage mechanisms, ensuring better livelihoods for workers in the agricultural sector. The launch event, held in Addis Ababa, brought together government representatives, employers’ and workers’ organizations, development partners, and key stakeholders committed to improving working conditions in agriculture—Ethiopia’s largest employment sector, accounting for over 80 percent of the workforce. The project is part of a larger global effort to ensure fair wages and sustainable incomes, particularly in industries like coffee and horticulture, which are vital to Ethiopia’s economy. A Commitment to Social Justice and Decent Work In his opening remarks, Khumbula Ndaba, ILO Country Director for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, emphasized the urgency of addressing wage disparities in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector. He noted that agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, yet many workers continue to face low wages, informal employment, and limited social protection. He underscored that fair wages are not just about income but also about dignity, equality, and sustainable development. Khumbula Ndaba, Director, ILO Country Office for Horn of Africa countries "Social justice is not just a principle—it is a promise. Fair wages and decent work ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of economic progress," he stated. Ethiopia remains one of the few African countries without a national minimum wage, leaving agricultural workers vulnerable to low pay and poor working conditions. The SAW-A project seeks to address these challenges by supporting the establishment of statutory minimum wages based on reliable data on workers' needs and economic factors. The project will also strengthen collective bargaining mechanisms to ensure fair compensation, improve compliance with international labour standards, and align with the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). SAW-A will also help Ethiopia’s agricultural sector meet global supply chain due diligence requirements, ensuring that farms and agribusinesses can continue to export to key international markets while upholding fair wage practices. For more details please click:

?? Strengthening fair wages in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector ???? With support from the German ?????Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the ILO has launched the Setting Adequate Wages in Agriculture (SAW-A) Project to promote fair wage policies, collective bargaining & minimum wage mechanisms in Ethiopia. ???? Ethiopia’s agriculture sector employs 80% of the workforce, yet many workers face low wages and informal employment. The SAW-A project will help improve livelihoods while ensuring that farms and agribusinesses meet global supply chain due diligence requirements. ?? For more on ILO-Germany Partnership ? ?? https://lnkd.in/gj3QqKca For more on the story ?? https://lnkd.in/e7qeRSc7

Unpacking the Africa Youth Employment Strategy through Action Lab in Cape Town! ? With the support of ILO PROSPECTS, Ethiopia is taking part at Africa Youth Employment Action Lab in Cape Town??, South Africa. Ethiopia joins other countries (South Africa, Cote D‘ivoire, Mozambique, Kenya and Tunisia) who are part of the Youth Action Lab. ? Hanna Mulugeta is a youth participant at the Action Lab, a member of the ILO Youth Network Committee and a Youth Country Coordinator of the Development Expertise Center (DEC) in Ethiopia. She shared with us her reflections at the close of the Action lab today; “It has been an exciting week of leaning and I want to take these learnings forward by strengthening collaboration among youth-led initiatives, ensuring that our efforts are unified and impactful in influencing labour market policies and programs that are inclusive” ? Hanna added, “The lab was an open space where we actively contributed ideas and co-created possible solutions that we once implemented, can create dignified economic livelihoods for the youth” ? International Labour Organization remains committed to supporting member-states to realise the aspirations of the African Union #ILO Youth Employment Strategy for Africa?#YES-Africa Stephen OPIO, Celeste Drake, African Union, Sabelo Mbokazi, Edukans, Dawit (David) Moges, Abigya Endale Ebssa

Empowering #refugee and host communities in Ethiopia through skills development! The ILO PROSPECTS Partnership in Ethiopia is committed to empowering both refugee and host communities through access to technical and vocational education and training (#TVET). Decent work gives people perspectives and stabilizes communities that have been transformed by a large influx of newcomers. To obtain a decent job, people need to have the right skills to find work, to build their career, to contribute productively to society and integrate into local economic life. To support employability and refugees’ access to labour markets, PROSPECTS is putting in place several skills-related interventions. This factsheet showcases successful skills development and inclusion initiatives implemented through the ILO PROSPECTS Partnership in Ethiopia. Learn more about how we're working to create a brighter future for all. Link to factsheet: https://bit.ly/41bMpdK