Addis Ababa to Host 3rd African Job Forum, Propel Continent's Job Growth Agenda

Addis Ababa, July 4, 2025 (ENA) -- The 3rd African Job Creation Forum would be held in Addis Ababa from July 7-9, 2025, marking a resounding success in galvanizing efforts to address the continent's employment challenges through agricultural innovation and agro-industrialization, Minister of Labor and Skills, Muferiat Kamil remarked.

Briefing the media about the event, Muferiat underscored the vital role of the forum in driving a dynamic and inclusive future for Africa’s agricultural economy.

She stressed the event served as a catalyst for change, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable employment for millions of young Africans who are joining the workforce.

According to her, this challenge is both an economic and social-political imperative for Africa’s stability and prosperity.

The forum would be held under the theme "Advancing Job Creation and Economic Resilience through Regional Integration, Digital and Financial Inclusion along Agricultural Value Chains in the AfCFTA Market."

The event, co-organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian government, the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the AeTrade Group, will bring together Africa's leading policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders, it was learnt.

Aligned with the 5th Africa Integration Day on July 7th, the forum emphasized key priorities such as advancing AfCFTA implementation, ratifying the Free Movement of Persons Protocol, and establishing African Union Financial Institutions--essential steps for building a resilient economic future.

“We explored how digital platforms, financial services, and AfCFTA protocols can unlock unprecedented employment opportunities, especially for underserved populations in agricultural value chains," the minister noted.

Stating that Agro-innovation transforms agriculture into job-creating engines via technology and value addition, she indicated that inclusive finance and insurance expand capital access for SMEs and farmers, driving growth.

She concluded by reiterating the forum's vision: "This strategic gathering unites visionaries and decision-makers to unlock Africa’s vast demographic dividend and untapped agricultural potential. By aligning policy, investment, innovation, and regional collaboration, particularly within agricultural value chains, we are shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for all Africans."

The success of the 3rd African Job Creation Forum sets a powerful precedent for continued progress in transforming Africa's employment landscape, she concluded.