The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) emphasizes the importance of African employers and policymakers embracing the Decent Work Agenda for Africa. This agenda aims to establish equitable and dignified working conditions for all individuals, address the issue of youth unemployment, and contribute to the growth of the regional economy. Nontando Mthethwa, AGOF Head of Public Affairs and Communications, highlighted this need at GEC+Africa, a conference that brought together leaders in entrepreneurship promotion and advocacy from 43 African nations.
The Decent Work Agenda is a globally recognized framework that advocates for providing opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to access decent and productive work in conditions that uphold freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. AGOF advocates for policy changes to ensure the universal adoption of this framework in Africa, aiming to create more equitable economic opportunities for all working-age Africans regardless of their background.
The recently released report by AGOF highlights the challenges faced by different groups in the African workforce such as the informal sector, women, and youth. It outlines six areas of improvement within the Decent Work Framework for Africa including inclusive opportunities, quality of work, social protections, sustainable entrepreneurship, social dialogue, and skills development. AGOF stresses the importance of addressing issues like youth unemployment, informal sector vulnerability, and gender pay gap in Africa.
AGOF recommends specific policy changes and interventions to promote Decent Work in Africa, especially focusing on entrepreneurship. These recommendations include promoting responsible entrepreneurship, supporting ethical business models, enhancing social protection systems, investing in education and skills training, and advancing gender equality in the workplace.
Mthethwa emphasizes the role of entrepreneurship and dignified employment in breaking the cycles of inequality and poverty in South Africa. AGOF, a member of the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, aims to empower African youth through entrepreneurship education and training to create prosperous and ethical societies. The foundation identifies individuals with entrepreneurial potential and provides them with the necessary support to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.
As Africa continues to strive for progress beyond its democratic milestones, AGOF advocates for an empowered, productive, and engaged citizenry working within supportive socio-political frameworks to drive economic growth and social development.