Labour Minister Anthony Lino Makana [right] and IOM Chief of Mission Vijaya Souri sign a partnership agreement to strengthen youth skills development and employment. Photo: Ministry of Labour.

More than 10,000 young people are expected to benefit from vocational training and job skills under a new partnership between the Ministry of Labour and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Juba on Thursday.

The agreement provides a framework for cooperation to strengthen the country’s labour market through vocational training and skills development.

The MoU was signed by Labour Minister Anthony Lino Makana on behalf of the government and Vijaya Souri on behalf of IOM South Sudan.

Senior government officials, including the ministry’s undersecretary, and development partners witnessed the signing.

Speaking after the ceremony, Minister Makana said the ministry remains committed to empowering young people through skills training and employment initiatives.

He said the partnership is an important step in tackling unemployment among young people.

Makana added that the agreement will help create pathways for youth to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

He said vocational training remains a key government strategy for equipping young people with practical skills.

According to the minister, such skills are needed to meet labour market demands and improve access to decent jobs.

IOM Chief of Mission Vijaya Souri reaffirmed the organisation’s support for the initiative.

She said investing in youth skills development is critical to promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience.

Souri added that IOM will continue working closely with the government to expand access to training opportunities across the country.

Officials said the partnership is expected to improve employability, support job creation, and contribute to national development.

The Ministry of Labour expressed hope that the collaboration will create more opportunities for young people and strengthen the country’s labour market.