Djibouti Strengthened Labour Market Data with Standardised Information Framework

© ILO

Djibouti, Djibouti (ILO News)-In partnership with the Ministry of Labour in Charge of Formalization and Social Protection in Djibouti, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme organised a four-day Data Production Workshop from 26th to 29th May 2024, as part of the process of establishing a Labour Market Information System (LMIS) for Djibouti. The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants representing various institutions, all dedicated to advancing the quality and relevance of labour market statistics within the country. Through collective efforts and strategic discussions, the workshop addressed key challenges, explored innovative approaches, and charted a path towards more robust data production and analysis in the area of labour market, with emphasis on labour migration statistics.  

The four-day workshop was marked by insightful discussions and deliberations that revolved around a range of crucial themes and topics. Participants engaged in in-depth conversations regarding the organisation of indicators within the LMIS framework, emphasising the importance of thematic coherence and data reliability. There was a notable emphasis on the need for disaggregated data to capture the nuances of the labour market landscape accurately. Furthermore, the workshop underscored the significance of utilising census data to derive essential employment indicators, highlighting the potential of such data sources in enriching the understanding of labour market dynamics. 

One of the key outcome of the workshop was the discussion surrounding the absence of standardized classifications for occupation and industries, which hinders data comparability at both national and international levels. Participants explored the importance to harmonize concepts and classification, particularly aligning with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) and the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) frameworks, to ensure consistency and comparability. They further recognised the need for a standardised classification mechanism to ensure consistency and comparability across different data sources. This discussion underscored the critical role of Djibouti to develop a national classification to facilitate the harmonisation of data collection efforts across different institutions and enhancing the overall quality of labour market statistics. 

Transitioning from discussions on data production challenges, the workshop also assessed the broader context of decent work measurement. Participants engaged in a comprehensive overview of the Decent Work Measurement Framework, which encompasses ten substantive elements aligned with the pillars of the Decent Work Agenda. These elements, ranging from adequate earnings to social dialogue and representation, form the foundational structure for assessing the quality and inclusivity of work environments. 

The collaborative effort between the ILO BRMM Programme and the Djiboutian institutions emphasised a shared commitment to advancing labour market statistics, especially labour migration statistics, and promoting data-driven decision-making. The workshop was concluded with the establishment of a task force dedicated to LMIS implementation, which marked a significant step towards operationalising the insights and recommendations generated during the workshop. This effort aimed to leverage technical support and expertise to enhance data generation processes and streamline survey implementation, thereby strengthening the overall effectiveness of labour market information systems in Djibouti. 

The Data Production Workshop served as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and charting a path towards enhanced labour market statistics in Djibouti. The commitment and dedication exhibited by participants highlighted a collective resolve to overcome data production challenges and elevate the quality of labour market information. As the workshop concluded, participants departed with a clear roadmap for advancing LMIS implementation, equipped with valuable insights and strategic recommendations to propel the development of robust and reliable labour market statistics.