Rising temperatures and workplace heat stress could eliminate the equivalent of 2.46 million full-time jobs in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal by 2040, with estimated economic losses of $67 billion, according to a study released by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Citing UN News, the report warns that excessive heat is already reducing working hours and incomes across the three countries, with damaging consequences for workers, businesses and overall economic productivity.

In 2023, climate change-related heat stress caused significant losses of working time in all three countries.

In Ethiopia, more than one million full-time equivalent jobs were affected by workplace heat, with approximately three-quarters of those losses concentrated in the agricultural sector. By 2040, that figure could reach 1.78 million.

In Ghana, excessive heat was linked to the loss of more than 345,000 jobs, a number that could rise to 550,000 by 2040.

In Senegal, approximately 72,000 jobs were affected, with projections pointing to a further 129,000 losses by the end of the period under analysis.

Although agriculture and construction are among the most exposed sectors — given the physical intensity of work carried out outdoors — the effects are also being felt across transport, commerce, services and the informal economy.

Economic Losses and Adaptation Measures

The study estimates that, by 2040, GDP losses could reach $33.3 billion in Ethiopia, $23.2 billion in Ghana and $10.5 billion in Senegal.

For ILO Regional Director for Africa Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, the findings demonstrate that heat stress extends well beyond its environmental dimension.

“Protecting people from heat also means safeguarding livelihoods, businesses and the sustainability of our economies,” she said.

Among the measures recommended by the organisation are adjustments to working schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, the introduction of rest cycles, and strengthened enforcement of occupational health and safety conditions.