LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Gabon’s Minister of Labor and Employment, Jacqueline Ilogue-Bignoumba, unveiled the findings of the National Employment and Unemployment Survey (ENEC) 2024 on Wednesday, April 29, indicating a total of 108,733 unemployed individuals in the country.
The survey, conducted in partnership with the World Bank and the International Labour Organization, highlighted that 21. 4% of the unemployed are women, with 34. 5% being young adults.
The survey’s results revealed that the informal sector accounts for 86. 5% of the employment landscape. Following the presentation, Minister of State for Transport, Maritime and Logistics, Ulrich Manfoumbi Manfoumbi, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that the report is a critical tool for guiding government policy on employment.
Ilogue — Bignoumba, in her remarks, pointed out the structural imbalances, particularly among young people’s participation in the national economy and the mismatch between educational offerings and productive sector needs. She advocated for a systemic approach to employment policy, encompassing macroeconomic, educational, industrial, and social policies. Experts have proposed five recommendations to tackle the issue, including establishing a support fund for SMEs, creating an inter-ministerial committee on employment for better coordination, implementing social transfer programs for the unemployed, reforming education and vocational training, and aligning them with market needs.
The government’s response to the unemployment crisis is contingent on broader economic diversification and the alignment of education with job market demands.
The World Bank and the African Development Bank have both stressed the importance of modernizing skills training and aligning education with job opportunities to combat youth unemployment. Despite the government’s efforts, Gabon’s economy, which grew by an estimated 2. 9% in 2024, is heavily reliant on the oil and mining sectors, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
The 2026 budget, totaling 7233. 3 billion FCFA, underscores the need for significant investment in social measures and infrastructure.
As Gabon grapples with the complex issue of unemployment, the path forward requires a multifaceted approach, including investment in education, economic diversification, and fostering an environment conducive to job creation.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
