By: Kemo Kanyi
Mr. Babucarr Ousmaila Joof, minister for Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, stated that the government wishes to focus on creating an enabling environment for job creation, promoting private-sector-led economic growth, and ensuring that the labour market adapts to the evolving global labour management trends.
During the National Employment Forum on Tuesday, under the theme “Creating Employment Through Strategic Investment and Innovative Skilling’’, the minister added that the forum is critical to the nation’s growth and prosperity, stating that the event redefines and repositions his Ministry’s commitments to the dynamic labour market needs amidst national and global advancements in technology.
“This theme reflects our collective commitment to advancing employment opportunities through creative and forward-thinking, forward-looking strategies. It equally opens a renewed call to strengthening existing collaboration and partnerships aimed at realizing the objectives of the National Employment Policy 2023-2026, precisely targeting 150 thousand decent jobs in the economy.
‘’Our convergence in this forum today underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the key issues at the heart of our employment landscape. Harnessing partner interventions to tackle the pressing challenges of unemployment and underemployment could ensure a united approach in pursuit of coordinated and sustainable solutions,’’ Hon. Joof told the convergence at the forum held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
He outlined that his Ministry is cognizant of the numerous responsibilities associated with employment creation and labour market coordination for private sector development and consequently, poverty reduction and eradication.
It could be recalled that the National Employment Policy and Action Plan 2022-2023 was launched by President Adama Barrow in 2022, and the Labor Act 2023 was legislated in 2023.
The minister stated that the above instruments demonstrate the government’s commitment and leadership in confronting unemployment, underemployment, and the rising irregular migration pathways. To further address these challenges, well-defined implementation modalities were established which include but are not limited to the creation of a National Employment Technical Committee, and the signing of Bilateral Labor Agreements.
“We invite a focus on pivotal policy objectives and outcomes, recognizing employment as a crosscutting issue that influences all sectors of the economy. We will explore and tap on experts’ experiences in outlining and mainstreaming strategic policies for increased employment opportunities,’’ he encouraged participants of the forum.