Namibia to host AU summit as Africa battles jobs and social protection crisis

Sostenus Wilherm

Namibia will host one of the African Union’s most important labour and social policy meetings later this month as African governments seek solutions to rising unemployment, poverty and weak social protection systems affecting millions across the continent.

The ministry of justice and labour relations announced that Windhoek will host the Sixth Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour and Employment (STC-SDLE 6) from 27 to 31 July.

The summit comes as many African countries continue to struggle with high unemployment, particularly among young people, expanding informal economies and growing inequality, challenges that have placed increasing pressure on governments to strengthen social protection programmes.

Acting executive director Aune Mudjanima said the meeting will provide African countries with an opportunity to develop coordinated policy responses to some of the continent’s most pressing socio-economic challenges.