Geneva: AASEP is strengthening its commitment to cooperation and is adopting significant reforms for the public employment services in Africa.

The African Association of Public Employment Services (AASEP) held, on Friday 5 June 2026, its 6th session of the Executive Committee extended to the Mövenpick Hotel Geneva Airport, in Switzerland. This strategic meeting, which brought together some thirty of senior leaders from Africa and international from the sector of employment, was marked by the adoption of thirteen major resolutions aimed at strengthening governance, regional cooperation and the performance of the continent’s Public Employment Services (PES) across the continent.

A political mobilisation at a high level

Chaired by Ms Oumou Sall Seck, Minister for National Entrepreneurship, for Employment and for Vocational Training in Mali, the opening ceremony set the tone for a session resolutely geared towards action and innovation.

In their respective speeches, the Honorary President of WAPES, Mr Camille Mouté in Bidias, the Executive Secretary of WAPES, Ms Amandine Moignard, as well as the President of the AASEP and Director General of the ANPE, the AASEP and Director General of the ANPE Mali, Mr Ibrahim Ag Nock, have commended the consistency of work of the organisation and the growing dynamism of the African region.

The speakers unanimously highlighted the scale of the challenges facing public employment services: youth unemployment, changes in the labour market, digital transformation and budgetary constraints. In light of these challenges, they called for stronger partnerships, the sharing of experiences and greater regional cooperation.

On behalf of the Malian Government, Ms Oumou Sall Seck reaffirmed Mali’s “constant and unwavering” support for AASEP and WAPES. She also called on African public employment services to demonstrate innovation, resilience and adaptability in order to respond effectively to the expectations of jobseekers and employers in a particularly challenging international context.

Governance, finance and partnerships at the heart of the debates

The meeting saw the adoption, by acclamation, of the 2025 activity report and the 2026 action plan presented by the President of the AASEP.

The participants also examined and approved the reports from the Treasurer and from the Auditor of the accounts.

One of the highlights of the session was the presentation of the draft reform plan for the governance of WAPES, in particular the new arrangements for calculating the contributions from members from 2027. This topic has raised a number of questions and discussions, demonstrating the interest of members in the institutional future of the organisation.

A new strategic partnership with Human Impact Hub

The session was also marked by the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the AASEP and the NGO Human Impact Hub (HIH).

Presented by Ms Imane Belmati, Chair of the organisation, this partnership aims to develop new initiatives to promote employment, of social innovation and the strengthening of capacities of public stakeholders.

Following a fruchtful discussion, the Executive Committee in full session approved the agreement and called for the rapid drafting of an action plan accompanied by a timetable for implementation.

Approval of the SamPES 2.0 programme

Another important decision: the adoption of the SamPES 2.0 programme for the period 2026–2028, presented by Mr Thierry Huort, an external consultant to WAPES.

This programme, designed to improve the performance of the Public Employment Services, will be incorporated into the three-year work plan of the Africa Region. The coming months will be devoted to identifying the pilot countries and to defining the criteria for selection of beneficiaries.

Thirteen resolutions to strengthen the organisation

At the conclusion of the proceedings, the Executive Committee in expanded session adopted thirteen strategic resolutions.

Among the main measures are:

– Approval of institutional and financial reports;
– Ratification of the partnership with Human Impact Hub;
– Strengthening the collection of membership fees;
– Strict enforcement of WAPES’ financial regulations regarding outstanding membership fees;
– The gradual introduction of electronic payment solutions;
– The exploration of organising online or hybrid general assemblies;
– Greater openness to partnerships with the private sector;
– The approval and integration of the SamPES 2.0 programme into regional priorities.

These decisions reflect the AASEP’s commitment to modernising its governance, securing its funding and increasing its impact on employment policies in Africa.

A remarkable contribution

The meeting was attended by 34 participants, including two Malian ministers, Mali’s Ambassador to Geneva, the Secretary-General of Chad’s Ministry of Labour, several institutional representatives, and twelve Directors-General of African public employment services.

This strong mobilisation demonstrates the growing importance of the AASEP as a platform across the continent for dialogue, of cooperation and innovation in the service of employment.

An organisation looking towards the future

In closing the meeting, the President of the AASEP praised the participants’ commitment and dedication, which had enabled all the objectives set for this session to be achieved.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s determination to continue its transformation process and called on members to remain engaged during the 114th International Labour Conference, which is taking place in Geneva until 12 June 2026.

With this 6th meeting of the Enlarged Executive Committee, AASEP reaffirms its ambition to become a key player in the development of public employment policies in Africa, by focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships and enhanced regional cooperation.

Source: AASEP