Youth employment is one of the main challenges facing the African continent. Among 15-24 year-olds, a group that accounts for 20 %of the African population, 41% are unemployed. Furthermore, 70% of youth that have a job are in situations of particularly vulnerable employment. In this context of massive ‘hidden unemployment’, the population of working age people will increase by approximately 450 million by 2035.

At the opening ceremony, the Secretary General of Togo’s Ministry, Mr. Gnamine M. S. Agarem, said in his welcome remarks that he was delighted Togo had been chosen to host the proceedings of this important meeting. He further affirmed that the workshop came just at the right moment, when countries facing a lack of resources are having to pool their energy to overcome the major challenges for their development.