Promoting employment in Africa through public-private cooperation

Context

Economic growth, infrastructure development and a growing young population offer great potential for sustainable development in Africa. Major investments have created a demand for local workers, but a lack of qualified local experts and (supplier) companies prevails. This means the population and companies are unable to fully benefit from employment and development opportunities. Since 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted investments and businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. New innovative solutions are needed that boost the local economy, secure long-term demand for jobs and maintain existing jobs. The private sector is a driving force in economic development, making it a key to any measures that create jobs and improve incomes.

Objective

Public-private cooperation has improved the employment and economic situation of job seekers, employees and companies.

Approach

E4D develops and implements public-private cooperation projects following an integrated model for employment promotion. These aim to:

• increase demand for labour across sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, food processing, construction and transportation. Projects create opportunities for disadvantaged population groups to be integrated into value chains as employees, suppliers or sales partners.
• utilise private sector partnerships to enhance the employability of qualified workers through training courses and work placements.
• match labour supply and demand through placement in trainings for jobs.

Each project is based on partnerships with local or international companies. Some projects also involve collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, vocational schools, universities and business associations. E4D also focuses on promoting green jobs in energy efficiency, resource and waste management, ecological agriculture, aquaculture and digitalisation. Gender mainstreaming is prioritised by including measures to reach women and support women-led businesses. Successful projects are replicated to other industry sectors, regions and countries and scaled up by involving private and public partners.

Last update: Januar 2021