Construction Sector Plays Vital Roles in Boosting Infrastructure

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2025 (ENA) -- The construction sector is playing a pivotal role in Ethiopia's significant infrastructure development, generating employment and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, according to the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure.

Speaking at the 20th International Labour Organization (ILO) Continental Conference of Labor-Based Practitioners held at the African Union Headquarters, Minister of Urban Development and Infrastructure, Chaltu Sani, highlighted Ethiopia’s dedication to inclusive development.

 

The conference, themed “Resilient Communities and Healthy Environments: Approaches to Investment Programs that Make the Most of Human Resources,” was attended by the Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives, Tagese Chafo, senior government officials, international delegates, and global institutional leaders.

The minister emphasized government’s conviction that employment is fundamental to inclusive and sustainable economic growth and social justice.

She also noted the conference's role in demonstrating a shared commitment to job creation, poverty reduction, and equitable employment access.

The minister underscored the global headwinds hindering job creation, climate change, technological divides, and geopolitical conflicts, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative and decisive solutions, particularly for Ethiopia, where unemployment and climate change pose significant threats.

She affirmed Ethiopia's strong partnership with the International Labour Organization and reiterated the government's commitment to sustainable development, employment generation, and the creation of resilient communities.

 

Minister Chaltu also called for strengthened collaboration among governments, educational institutions, and the private sector to achieve shared development objectives, pointing to Ethiopia's visible advancements in corridor development and other major infrastructure projects as valuable learning experiences for conference attendees.

Recalling the previous ILO Continental Congress in Kigali, Rwanda (2023), themed "Enhancing Skills and Productivity for Our Common Future," Minister Chaltu expressed Ethiopia's pride in hosting the 20th edition in Addis Ababa.

Embracing this responsibility, Ethiopia has diligently prepared to ensure the conference's success, with the government anticipating actionable policy strategies and programs that align with international standards, she underlined.