Statement at the 20th Ordinary Session of the OAU Labour and Social Affairs Commission

"There is no doubt that one of the most serious challenges facing our Continent in the social sector is the unemployment crisis. The employment situation in Africa which had deteriorated considerably over the past fifteen years continued to be grim in most of our countries with urban unemployment rates estimated in the 15 to 20% range; under-employment rates in the 25 to 50%; youth unemployment rates in the 25 to 40% range; while women unemployment range was twice the national average." - Dr. Salim, April 7, 1997