From July 29th to August 2nd 2024, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hosted the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Social Development, Labour, and Employment (STC-SDLE-5). This significant meeting brought together over 300 experts from across Africa, along with government ministers. The session, themed “Social Agenda 2063: Promoting Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) Ecosystems,” was organised to address and refine strategies to enhance social development, labour, and ethical employment across the continent.

Acting Director of the Directorate of Sports, Culture, and Social Development,  Angela Martins, emphasised the importance of a newly developed 10-year SSE framework. This policy initiative was designed to support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States through multi-sectoral and multi-partner collaboration, addressing gaps and needs across various demographics.

The first part of the session, held from July 29th to 31st, involved discussions among experts, while the subsequent phase, August 1st and 2nd, included deliberations with ministers.

Objectives

The STC-SDLE-5 focused on reviewing specific roadmaps for implementing policies and strategies in several critical areas, including:

• Social protection
• Social and solidarity economy
• Labour migration
• Youth employment
• Addressing child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM)
• Preventing the exploitation and abuse of children

The session also delved into knowledge products, providing insights into wage issues in Africa and the operationalisation of dialogue mechanisms related to labour migration.

Central to the session was the SSE, which aims to harmonise economic, social, and environmental goals. SSE promotes values such as solidarity, democracy, and mutual aid, prioritising collective benefits over individual gains. SSE entities operate on principles of voluntary cooperation, democratic governance, and social purpose, playing a crucial role in areas such as poverty reduction, job creation, community development, and environmental protection.

Commitments

The STC-SDLE-5 was rooted in previous commitments such as the Ouagadougou + 10 Declaration and Plan of Action 2004, which stressed the importance of employment creation within economic and social policies. This declaration underscored the need for political leadership, youth and women empowerment, social protection, and regional integration. These priorities align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which advocates for a human rights approach to eradicating poverty and inequality and emphasises solidarity and social cohesion as pillars of sustainable development.

Secretary General of Business Africa, Jacqueline Mugo, called for decisive action, stating, “The people we represent—citizens, workers, and businesses—demand that Africa not only formulate strategies but also implement them effectively. We must ensure that our plans do not remain merely theoretical.”

Implications for the private sector

The discussions and strategies formulated during the STC-SDLE-5 session had several significant implications for the private sector across Africa:

Enhanced Regulatory Frameworks

The focus on reviewing and implementing policies related to social protection, labour migration, and employment standards will lead to stronger and more comprehensive regulatory frameworks.

Businesses will face new regulations and compliance requirements, including enhanced labour laws, social protection mandates, and stricter ethical guidelines. Companies will have to adapt to these changes to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions.

Increased focus on Social and Solidarity Economy

The emphasis on SSE will encourage economic models that prioritise collective benefits over individual profits, promoting democratic governance and mutual aid.

Companies aligning with SSE principles will benefit from increased support and incentives. Conversely, traditional businesses needed to integrate more socially responsible practices into their operations to remain competitive and meet evolving market expectations.

Strengthened social protection measures

Increased attention to social protection will lead to more comprehensive safety nets for workers, including health benefits, pensions, and unemployment insurance.

Organisations will face higher costs associated with providing social benefits to employees. However, these measures will enhance employee satisfaction and retention, contributing to a more stable and productive workforce.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

The emphasis on addressing issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and exploitation highlights the need for businesses to engage actively in CSR.

Companies are encouraged to adopt and promote ethical practices, contribute to community development, and support initiatives addressing social issues. This engagement will improve their reputation and stakeholder relations and open new avenues for partnerships and investment.