On End Poverty Day, the World Bank Group highlighted its ongoing efforts to address poverty in Eastern and Southern Africa by focusing on job creation and expanding economic opportunities. The organization emphasized that many people across Africa continue to face obstacles in securing productive employment, which remains a significant barrier to escaping poverty.
The World Bank noted that as Africa's population grows rapidly, there is increasing pressure to generate enough jobs for young people entering the labor market each year. This demographic trend requires a fundamental change in how economies develop and create opportunities.
According to the World Bank Group, "The World Bank Group has put jobs at the center of its mission to end poverty. From infrastructure and energy to agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing, we’re helping countries unlock sectors that can create jobs at scale. Our focus is on building the foundations - reliable infrastructure, skilled people, fair and transparent policies - and on mobilizing private investment to fuel growth and entrepreneurship."
The organization also stated, "We know jobs do more than raise incomes; they give people dignity, hope, and a stake in their future. On this End Poverty Day, World Bank directors across Africa reflect on how countries can accelerate progress toward this shared goal."
World Bank officials encouraged reflection on strategies for accelerating progress towards reducing poverty through job creation across the continent.