ILO engagement in the Sahel


Opportunities for jobs and decent work are at the core of realizing the potential of the people of the Sahel. Decent Work also addresses head-on the key development challenges of countries in the Sahel.

ILO supports the Sahel Alliance through employment-centred interventions that maximize the job outcomes of public and private investments. In parallel there is a strong push for skills and vocational training as well as entrepreneurship development. This allows especially young people to acquire marketable skills and to create their own job. Simultaneously, employment contribute to peacebuilding.

ILO works within the framework of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) and ILO’s strategy builds on and puts into practice its normative engagement on Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience. Working with UN partners, its tripartite constituents and others, ILO contributes expertise around its core mandate to promote employment, social dialogue, social protection and international labour standards.

What's new

  1. Publication

    ILO alliance with G5 Sahel

    28 August 2019

    With a population of over 300 million and a rising trend of urbanization, the Sahel region offers huge opportunities for its populations. At the same time, however, the region is facing an increase in extremism, terrorism and criminality, fueled by endemic poverty, high income inequality, a high rate of youth unemployment and governance deficiencies.

  2. News

    Japan to support youth employment opportunities for refugees and host community in Mauritania

    11 April 2019

    The project aims at promoting economic self-sufficiency of refugees and peaceful coexistence with host communities through the development of employability schemes and decent jobs in infrastructure construction works.

  3. Press release

    Luxembourg reaffirms support to the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth

    23 October 2018

    Donor renews partnership with the ILO with a particular focus on the Sahel region