By Priscilla Oye Ofori  

Accra, May 15, GNA – The Sustainable Development in Africa Advocacy (S-DIA Advocacy), a Non-Governmental Organisation, and its partners, including the National Labour Commission, and Labour Department of Ghana, will host the Africa Labour and Employment Summit (ALES 25) in June 2025.  

This maiden edition, on the theme: “The Future of Work and Labour Migration in Africa,” would bring together policymakers, industry leaders, trade unions, civil society, and development partners to engage in critical dialogue and action to transform Africa’s labour and employment landscape.  

A statement signed by Mr Kweku Kakah, the Executive Director, S-DIA Advocacy, copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday, said the summit would provide actionable solutions to unemployment. 

“We are at a defining moment for the future of work in Africa. With youth unemployment on the rise, informal sector dominance, and a fast-growing digital economy, this summit aims to provide actionable solutions that prioritise inclusive, resilient, and future-ready employment systems,” it said. 

With more than 60 per cent of Africa’s population under the age of 25 and with over 80 per cent of its workforce in the informal sector, the summit would address challenges such as skills mismatches, limited labour protections, gender inequality, and weak social security systems – while showcasing the untapped potential of green industries, digital platforms, and labour migration reforms. 

“ALES 25 is not just a conference; it is a strategic platform for policy innovation, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and sustainable job creation. We’re focused on creating real pathways for young people, women, Persons with Disability, and vulnerable workers to access decent work, whether locally or across borders,” the statement said.  

It indicated that the NLC’s involvement would enhance the summit’s potential to influence national and continental labour policy reforms, strengthen worker protections, and promote fair and ethical migration practices under regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 

“We are grateful for the partnership of the NLC and the Labour Department of Ghana, whose expertise and leadership are instrumental in achieving the Summit’s goals,” the statement said.  

“Africa’s development rests on the dignity, productivity, and wellbeing of its worker. The time for commitment is now, and ALES 25 is the ground where ideas must turn into action.”   

Key components of the ALES 25 include high-level opening ceremony, thematic plenary and panel discussions, tradeshow and job fair for youth and emerging entrepreneurs.  

The expected outcomes are labour policy resolutions and legal reform commitments, youth employment and skills development programmes, informal sector formalisation frameworks, green and sustainable employment roadmap and stronger tripartite collaboration and regional integration.  

GNA  

ABD