Youth Employment: A Step to Africa’s Economic Growth

Author: Chioma Alaedu

Africa has the youngest population in the world, with over 60% of its population under 25. However, the continent faces a major challenge: unemployment. Some African countries have an unemployment rate of about 40%. From this statistic, addressing this issue is of utmost importance as it can help the continent’s economic growth.

In this article we will take a look at the current view of youth employment in Africa. We will also examine the causes and provide concrete solutions to create sustainable jobs for the continent’s youth.

The Current View of Youth Employment in Africa

 According to statistics by the African Development Bank, there is a staggering mismatch between job seekers and job creation. Every year, 12 million young Africans enter the job market, but only 3 million formal jobs are available. This significant gap leaves millions without employment opportunities. For example, in 2023, the youth unemployment rate for South Africa was roughly about 61%. While Nigeria’s was 53% in the same year.

Unfortunately, Africa’s informal sector, which accounts for approximately 85% of employment, is a major issue for youth employment.  This sector often offers poor working conditions, with low pay and little job security. As a result, many young people find themselves working in unpaid and unstable jobs, such as street vendors, casual laborers, or small-scale farmers, with little hope for better opportunities.

Causes of Africa’s Youth Unemployment Crisis

Several factors contribute to Africa’s high youth unemployment rates:

1. Education-Employment Mismatch: The World Bank reports that only 10% of African graduates possess the skills needed in sectors such as technology and healthcare. African education systems, with their outdated curricula and lack of skills training often fail to equip youths with the skills needed in the modern labour market.
2. Rapid Population Growth: Africa’s population is growing at a rapid rate. By 2050, the continent’s population is expected to double, creating an even larger youth demographic. Without corresponding job creation, more young people will enter an already dry labour market.

Effect of Youth Unemployment

The consequences of youth unemployment extend beyond economic hardships. When millions of young people are unable to find work, it leads to widespread social and political instability. Unemployment often results in frustration, feelings of exclusion among young people.

This, in turn, has contributed to the rise of crime, violence, and intolerance in some regions of Africa. For example, studies show that high youth unemployment rates have fueled the growth of crimes. Insurgent groups were birthed in countries like Nigeria and Somalia, where young people are often recruited into militant organisations.

Moreover, persistent unemployment affects mental health, leading to an increase in depression and anxiety among African youth. A growing population strains the government by spending on welfare programs to support the unemployed. The long-term effect is a low efficiency for economic growth, thus delaying Africa’s development course.

The Private Sector’s Role in Africa’s Economic Growth and Youth Employment

The private sector has an important role to play in addressing youth unemployment and driving economic growth in Africa. African governments alone cannot create enough jobs to meet the demands of the continent’s rapidly growing population. Private businesses are essential for generating employment opportunities in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and services.

Through partnerships with governments, the private sector can invest in initiatives that target youth employment. For instance, multinational corporations can provide internship programs that offer youth work experience.

Companies like MTN, a leading telecom provider, have implemented youth programs that offer skills training and employment opportunities. Additionally, expanding investments in sectors like agriculture and renewable energy, can absorb a larger part of the youth workforce.

Concrete Solutions for Tackling Youth Unemployment

Solving Africa’s youth unemployment will require coordinated efforts across governments and the private sector. Here are several concrete solutions that can make a meaningful impact:

1. Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Entrepreneurship is one of the most effective ways to create jobs in Africa. Governments and private institutions should prioritise creating favourable conditions for young entrepreneurs. These conditions include access to finance and business mentorship programs.

For example, Initiatives like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which supports African entrepreneurs, have successfully empowered over 15,000 young people to start their own businesses.

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations between governments and private companies can generate sustainable employment opportunities. PPPs in infrastructure development, such as road construction, and transportation networks, can create thousands of jobs for young Africans.

Conclusion

Tackling youth unemployment in Africa requires not just job creation but a wider cultural change. Young people need to be empowered to see themselves as job creators. This change can happen by including entrepreneurship in school curriculum. Moreover, African governments must reform their education systems to align with the demands of the 21st-century labour market. The future of Africa’s economic growth and stability lies in empowering its youth for success.