By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Geneva (Dawan Africa), 4 June 2026 – Djibouti has called for stronger cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on youth employment, vocational training, social dialogue and labour market reforms, according to the country’s state news agency, ADI.
The appeal was made during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference, taking place in Geneva from 1–12 June and bringing together representatives of governments, employers and workers from across the world.
Djibouti’s delegation is led by Minister of Labour Yonis Ali Guedi, who held talks with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo on expanding cooperation in areas including youth employment, skills development, social dialogue and the formalization of the economy.
During the meeting, Guedi outlined reforms undertaken by Djibouti to modernize the labour market, strengthen worker protections and promote inclusive job creation.
The discussions come as Djibouti continues to face significant labour-market challenges. According to World Bank and ILO modelled data, youth unemployment stood at approximately 76.5 percent in 2024. A World Bank economic report also found that 46.2 percent of people aged 16–24 were not in education, employment or training, with the rate higher among young women than young men.
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Houngbo commended Djibouti’s efforts to promote employment and develop human capital, reaffirming the ILO’s commitment to providing technical assistance and institutional support.
Guedi also met Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, a senior ILO official, to discuss ongoing cooperation programmes and explore new areas of collaboration in employment promotion, vocational training and institutional capacity building.
On the sidelines of the conference, Djibouti’s delegation participated in technical committee discussions on international labour standards, worker protection and the challenges posed by economic and digital transformation.
In his address to the conference, Guedi reaffirmed Djibouti’s commitment to decent work and social justice, while highlighting government efforts to prepare the labour market for the opportunities and challenges associated with digital transformation and artificial intelligence.