UN Launched Initiative for Youth and Women Employment
The Abidjan Call aims to expand job access through new financing for businesses led by women and young entrepreneurs.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Employment
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The United Nations recently introduced the Abidjan Call to boost employment opportunities across West Africa and the Sahel. This initiative focuses on vocational training and new financing mechanisms for youth-led and women-led enterprises in conflict-affected regions.
Why it matters
The region faces an estimated annual development financing gap of $90 billion to $100 billion, which constrains the growth of local businesses. Addressing these economic needs through improved credit access is considered vital for fostering long-term stability.
The regional economy grew by 4.8% in 2025, though 2026 growth is forecast at 4.6%. Côte d'Ivoire aims to double its formal workforce from 1.5 million to 3 million by 2030.
The players
United Nations
An international organization that coordinates global development, security, and economic assistance programs.
African Development Bank
A financial institution that provides development funding and economic growth projections for nations across the continent.
UN Women
A UN agency dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women through economic and social policy advocacy.
The details
The initiative promotes the creation of new financial instruments to support women and youth, specifically targeting rural and border areas. By encouraging financial institutions to improve access to credit and value chains, the program seeks to transition informal workers into formal positions. These efforts align with existing security resolutions to ensure that economic empowerment supports regional peace.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: UN representatives met in Abidjan to launch the call.
2025: The region recorded 4.8% economic growth.
2026: Forecasted regional growth is 4.6%.
2026-2030: The implementation window for Côte d'Ivoire's National Development Plan.
Money Landscape
The Abidjan Call follows a pattern set by UN Security Council Resolution 1325 by integrating economic empowerment into peace-building frameworks. This shift acknowledges that sustainable regional development relies on closing the current multi-billion dollar financing gap.
Entrepreneurs and job seekers in the region may soon see improved access to credit and vocational training programs. Households should monitor local updates on how these new financing channels impact loan availability and market entry requirements.
The takeaway
Economic stability is increasingly tied to the formalization of the youth and female workforce. Readers should keep watch for local updates on vocational training enrollment windows and potential new credit programs designed to support small business growth.
What happens next
Côte d'Ivoire will continue implementing its National Development Plan through 2030 to reach its goal of 3 million formal jobs.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest trends in global labor market development in our Employment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ecofin Agency.
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