On the occasion of the African Economic Outlook 2012 (AEO) regional launch in Tunis, under the high patronage of the Tunisian Head of Government, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the OECD Development Centre jointly organise a conference on "Promoting Youth Employment in the North Africa Region" on 16 July 2012 in the Ministry of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, Tunis.

The conference will focus on the findings and recommendations of the 2012 edition of the African Economic Outlook for North Africa and feature a debate on their policy implications for upcoming post-Arab revolution years. It is a unique opportunity to set the stage for accelerated progress on human development for the region. It will focus on learning through South-South exchanges, and showcasing innovations from North Africa, Latin America and Asia. Main topics will include: macroeconomic prospects in North Africa; economic diversification and youth employment; bridging the skills gaps; and international cooperation.

The African Economic Outlook is published annually by the AfDB, the OECD Development Centre, the UNDP and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This year, its special theme is Promoting Youth Employment. The report paints a comprehensive picture of youth in African labour markets and depicts a highlights several facts, including fast but largely jobless growth pattern in the continent: with the youngest population in the world -200 million youths aged between 15 and 24- and improved levels of education, Africa faces the challenge of a youth bulge.