The International Labour Organisation has warned that rising temperatures and workplace heat stress could result in the loss of working hours equivalent to 2.46 million full-time jobs across Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal by 2040.
The warning is contained in new studies commissioned by the ILO, which examined the impact of increasing heat levels on workers, businesses and economic productivity in the three African countries.
According to the findings, Ethiopia is projected to account for the largest share of the losses, with about 1.78 million full-time equivalent jobs at risk, while Ghana and Senegal could lose approximately 550,000 and 129,000 jobs respectively.
The report also projected that the combined annual Gross Domestic Product losses in the three countries could reach $67bn by 2040 compared with historical levels.
The estimated economic losses comprise $33.3bn for Ethiopia, $23.2bn for Ghana and $10.5bn for Senegal.
The ILO noted that the effects of workplace heat stress were already evident, with all three countries recording additional losses in working time and economic output in 2023 compared with their historical baselines.
In Ethiopia, heat stress accounted for more than one million additional full-time equivalent job losses in 2023, with agriculture responsible for about 75 per cent of the impact.
Similarly, Ghana recorded losses equivalent to more than 345,000 full-time jobs during the period, while Senegal experienced nearly 72,000 additional full-time equivalent job losses.
The organisation identified agriculture and construction as particularly vulnerable sectors because of their labour-intensive nature and dependence on outdoor activities.
It, however, warned that manufacturing, transportation, trade and services were also exposed to the growing threat, alongside businesses operating within the informal economy.
The ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Kayirangwa, described heat stress as an emerging challenge affecting employment, public health and economic stability.
She said, “The findings show that heat stress is no longer only an environmental concern; it is an employment, health and economic challenge.”
Kayirangwa called for coordinated action by governments, employers and workers to protect livelihoods and strengthen economic resilience.
She added, “Governments, employers and workers need to act together, combining stronger occupational safety and health measures with social protection, climate adaptation and economic planning.
“Protecting people from heat means protecting livelihoods, enterprises and the resilience of our economies.”
To address the situation, the organisation recommended adjusting working hours to avoid the hottest periods of the day, introducing appropriate rest breaks and providing workers with access to drinking water, shade and cooling facilities.
It also urged employers and governments to strengthen workplace heat monitoring systems, improve occupational safety standards and educate workers on the warning signs and dangers of heat stress.
The ILO further stressed the need for social protection measures for informal sector workers, noting that many could lose essential income if forced to reduce their working hours because of extreme temperatures.
The studies are part of a six-country research initiative covering Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Lebanon, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
The research was supported by the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable 20 Finance Ministers, with funding from the CVF-V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund. It combined climate projections, labour market information and economic modelling to assess the impact of rising temperatures on employment and national economies.
