Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis and global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more than 34 percent of total employment – a number that has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015.
However, as the global economy continues to recover we are seeing slower growth, widening inequalities, and not enough jobs to keep up with a growing labour force.
According to the International Labour Organization, more than 204 million people were unemployed in 2015.
The SDGs promote sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological innovation. Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation are key to this, as are effective measures to eradicate forced labour, slavery and human trafficking. With these targets in mind, the goal is to achieve full and productive employment, and decent work, for all women and men by 2030.
Facts and Figures
0.640
Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.640 (2015) from 0.578 (1990)
1%
Economic growth averaged at 4.6% over a decade, but slowed down to 1% over the past two years
34%
Unemployment increased from 28% in 2016 to 34 % in 2017.
43.4%
Youth unemployment at 43.4%.
129,5k
129,500 people employed in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Indicators and Results
8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
8.1.1 Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita
National Definition – Annual change of GDP at market prices in constant 2010 prices per capita in N$
8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour intensive sectors.
- a)
- b)
8.2.1 Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person
National Definition – GDP growth in a) N$ (constant 2010 prices) b) USD (constant 2010 prices) per employed person
8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
- (T)
- (M)
- (F)
8.3.1 Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex
National Definition – Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture, forestry and fisheries employment, by sex
8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- a) (T)
- a) (M)
- a) (F)
8.5.1 Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age and persons with disabilities
National Definition – a) Average monthly wages of employees b) Parity Index Gender
- b)