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KENYA AND AUSTRIA STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC TIES WITH EMPHASIS ON YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AND DIGITAL ECONOMY
by admin on | 2025-01-28 11:19:57
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January 28, 2025(Vienna,Austria)__Kenya and Austria have made significant strides in enhancing their economic relationship, commemorating Africa Day with a key event organized by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO).
In her address, Ms. Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs in Kenya, highlighted the potential for collaboration and long-term partnerships.
She stressed the importance of harnessing Africa's youth demographic and the increasing significance of the digital economy in shaping future employment opportunities.
Expressing gratitude to WKO President Mr. Harald Mahrer and the Austrian Economic Chamber for hosting this significant event, Ms. Njogu noted that it provides a platform for business networking and collaboration between Austrian enterprises and African governments.
"This year’s theme, 'Business in Africa is a marathon, not a sprint,' serves as a reminder that meaningful negotiations and partnerships require time, trust, and mutual understanding," she stated.
She further added, "We are here to cultivate relationships that will benefit both Austria and Africa, particularly through initiatives like the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Kenya and Austria.
The MoU, signed in September 2024, focuses on cooperation in mobility and migration, strategically addressing labor shortages in Austria across sectors such as healthcare, information technology, engineering, and hospitality. Kenya’s young professionals are viewed as essential contributors to filling these labor gaps.
With millions of young people entering the workforce annually, the government is committed to ensuring they possess the skills necessary to compete in a globalized economy.
"Through this partnership with Austria, we can align Kenya’s skilled youth with Austria’s labor market needs, particularly in high-demand sectors. This collaboration will ensure that our young people secure meaningful employment opportunities while contributing to both economies," emphasized the PS.
This agreement aligns with Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to empower citizens through skills training and international employment opportunities.
Additionally, the government has introduced a Global Labour Market Strategy to promote safe and structured migration of skilled workers to global markets.
The event underscored the importance of fostering people-to-people connections while highlighting the growing role of the digital economy in shaping future work opportunities.
As a leader in digital innovation within Africa, Kenya is well-positioned to support the expansion of remote work—a key driver of global economic integration.
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), established in 1839, represents over 540,000 Austrian businesses across various sectors. It operates through nine State Chambers and 110 Trade Associations.
WKO supports Austrian businesses internationally through its Aussenwirtschaft Austria department, which has over 100 offices worldwide that provide networking opportunities and trade linkages.