United Nations Launched Abidjan Call for Youth Jobs
The initiative aims to boost economic stability in West Africa and the Sahel through vocational training and financing.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Employment
Live Poll
Do you believe economic investment in youth and women is the best way to ensure peace?
The United Nations has unveiled the Abidjan Call to prioritize job creation for youth and women in the Sahel and West Africa. This strategy seeks to link regional economic development with lasting peace and security.
Why it matters
Empowering youth and women through vocational skills and improved business financing is viewed as essential for maintaining regional stability. The initiative addresses a significant annual financing gap that hinders economic potential in conflict-affected areas.
The region faces an annual development financing gap of $90 billion to $100 billion. While regional economic growth reached 4.8% in 2025, forecasts suggest a slight cooling to 4.6% in 2026.
The players
United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel
This UN body coordinates political and development efforts to promote peace and security across the region.
UN Women
This entity is the United Nations organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
African Development Bank
This multilateral development finance institution works to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in Africa.
The details
The Abidjan Call promotes digital skills development and apprenticeships for populations in rural and border regions. It encourages financial institutions to expand access to credit and markets for businesses led by women and young entrepreneurs.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: UN representatives held meetings in Abidjan.
2025: The region recorded 4.8% economic growth.
2026: Forecasts indicate 4.6% growth for the region.
2026-2030: The implementation window for the National Development Plan in Côte d'Ivoire.
Macro View
The initiative follows the framework established by UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which underscores the necessity of women's participation in peace and security processes. This current effort mirrors a broader shift toward integrating economic development into long-term geopolitical stability strategies.
For residents in Côte d'Ivoire, the government's goal to double formal jobs to 3 million by 2030 could significantly improve local employment stability. Expanded access to credit may provide a needed boost to entrepreneurs seeking to scale small businesses in underserved sectors.
The takeaway
The Abidjan Call highlights the importance of economic agency as a pillar of regional security. By focusing on digital skills and business financing, stakeholders hope to bridge the gap between regional growth forecasts and tangible employment gains for vulnerable populations.
Further reading
Learn more about global labor trends in our Employment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ecofin Agency.
Live Poll
Do you believe economic investment in youth and women is the best way to ensure peace?
