The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has called for harmonised education systems and skills certification to expand employment opportunities for African youth.

The executive secretary of ECA, Claver Gatete, in a statement on Friday, made the call during a side event at the 2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

The event focused on transforming informal work into sustainable livelihoods for young people in Africa’s fragile cities.

It brought together policymakers, development partners, academics, youth representatives and United Nations agencies.

Mr Gatete said harmonising education systems and professional qualifications would facilitate labour mobility across the continent.

He said standardised skills certification would enable young Africans to access employment opportunities beyond their national borders.

Participants said integrating qualifications across Africa would unlock the continent’s human capital and advance Agenda 2063.

They also identified limited access to finance as a major barrier facing young entrepreneurs.

The participants called for stronger financial inclusion and business support to help youth establish and formalise enterprises.

They examined the growing impact of artificial intelligence (Ai) on Africa’s labour market and future employment.

The participants said AI offered opportunities for innovation, productivity and economic growth but could also disrupt employment.

They stressed the need to prepare young Africans with relevant skills for emerging technologies.

The participants said young people were key drivers of innovation, resilience and sustainable economic growth.

They also called for inclusive urban development to expand decent jobs and economic opportunities in fragile cities.

The participants urged governments and development partners to strengthen support for youth-led enterprises and entrepreneurship across the continent.

(NAN)