TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Presented by Georgia MENSAH, Acting Youth Coordinator ITUC-Africa

INTRODUCTION Entrepreneurship has always been an outstanding form of employment. It is a remarkable way of encouraging innovation in a wide range of businesses and strengthening social and environmental values. There is a need for a young and creative population that is ready to face upcoming challenges to rise. Unions should reaffirm their conviction that the youth need to impact on society and create for themselves stable jobs through entrepreneurship TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA

The challenges Unions are seeking to analyze key issues regarding youth entrepreneurship. Mention could be made of the following, among others: TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA

a) Insufficient knowledge, inspiration and skills TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Lack of ideas skills and business opportunities clearly indicate that people do not invest sufficiently in quality entrepreneurial culture. It also shows that in spite of current efforts, much more needs to be done.

b) Insufficient initial support and assistance to help remain in business and expand it TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Access to finance is the biggest obstacle to starting a business. Various kinds of practical support are equally unavailable during the process, especially when it comes to creating a business that is expected to last and expand in the future.

c) Instability and insecurity TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA The need for stability and security for the youth in terms of their income, social protection, health insurance is high. There is not enough information on social protection and existing insurance systems, and most of these systems do not guarantee the minimum level of protection for entrepreneurs.

c) Instability and insecurity TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA The need for stability and security for the youth in terms of their income, social protection, health insurance is high. There is not enough information on social protection and existing insurance systems, and most of these systems do not guarantee the minimum level of protection for entrepreneurs.

The role of trade unions TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Trade unions have already indicated that more support is needed to increase the chances of youth to succeed in their businesses Union policy on employment stipulates that young people need to consider independent work and entrepreneurship as a viable option for their career.

The role of trade unions TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Similarly, in their fight against unprecedented rates of youth unemployment, unions should introduce policies which provide guarantees to the youth. They should encourage and support the putting in place of partnership networks. Local, national and continental networking is a way of sharing experiences and good practices.

The role of trade unions TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Unions should call upon governments to approve educational programmes that promote and support creative thinking and entrepreneurial skills among the youth. Unions are key players in promoting and allowing for youth participation and active citizenship, and are therefore an important resource for the inclusion of the youth in general.

The role of trade unions TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Together with social partners, unions must be involved and consulted in the drawing up of youth entrepreneurship policies and participate in a common front to promote youth entrepreneurship. They should encourage the creation of sustainable businesses (other keys to the success of a business being sustainability, the ability to change, adapt and grow).

Conclusion TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Unions have to encourage heavy investments in quality entrepreneurial educational programmes as well as business support programmes, while placing particular emphasis on youth since insecurity and instability are obstacles to the realisation of their business dreams. It is also believed that these obstacles can be minimized by improving access to information and guaranteeing a minimum level of social protection and health insurance for young entrepreneurs

TRADE UNION INITIATIVES AND STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA Thank You