The objective of this Policy Brief is to provide insights to support the design of evidence-based tools for enforcing interventions in the 2024-2029 MTDP and measuring their implementation. It provides a summary of the more detailed Leaving No One behind: Accelerating Inclusion Outcomes in the 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan research paper.

It provides a high-level overview of the intersection of labour market and human development barriers that prevent people from marginalized groups – especially women, youth and persons with disabilities – from realizing their full capabilities. Section 3 focuses on two key areas with transformative potential for reducing economic precarity and enhancing human development outcomes: implementation of AfCFTA Protocols on Women and Youth in Trade and Digital Trade and inclusive digitalization, with emphasis on e-commerce as a tool for inclusion and economic empowerment.

Looking ahead to South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025, the paper identifies a strategic opportunity to catalyze partnerships to accelerate the empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities.

The Policy Brief paper concludes with practical insights, presenting a set of indicators developed as a key outcome of a workshop convened on 18 March 2024 by the National Planning Commission and partners, in collaboration with the UK-funded International Economic Partnership programme.