"Africa's Youthquake: High Unemployment, Skill Gaps, and Despair"

"Africa is experiencing a 'youthquake' characterized by high unemployment rates, significant skill mismatches, and widespread despair among young people. The lack of job opportunities and the disconnect between educational outcomes and market needs contribute to the growing crisis. Addressing these issues is critical to improving prospects and creating a more hopeful future for the continent’s youth."

By 2050, one-third of the world's youth will come from Africa, according to the 2024 International Labour Organisation (ILO) report. Africa's young people will play a crucial role in shaping global consumption, culture, and stability.

The report highlights that sub-Saharan Africa will need approximately 72.6 million new jobs by 2050 to accommodate its growing youth population. The ILO warns of a potential “youthquake” if new job creation fails to keep pace. Recent protests in Kenya hint at the scale and intensity of this potential crisis.

Many African nations are struggling to create sufficient secure employment opportunities, affecting young people's quality of life. Youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa are already at 8.9%, with only a small fraction of young adults securing what is considered a “decent job.” Various articles have explored the causes of this problem. South Africa faces a severe youth unemployment crisis, with a 49% rate among 15-24-year-olds. Factors include global employment shifts and the lingering impact of apartheid, as noted by inequality scholar Imraan Valodia.

In Nigeria, high youth unemployment, at 15.3% in 2019, is exacerbated by skills mismatches. Economist Stephen Onyeiwu points out that official statistics often underreport the extent of the issue, as many with primary education are under-employed in low-productivity informal work. Kenya also struggles with skills mismatches, leading to high youth unemployment. Management scholars note that graduates often lack the skills needed in the job market, with young people constituting over 80% of the unemployed population.

Many African youths are turning to insecure work due to limited options. The ILO report reveals that nearly 75% of working young adults in sub-Saharan Africa are in insecure jobs, with one-third earning below the median wage. Young South Africans often engage in informal work such as running car wash businesses or fixing cars. Researcher Hannah J. Dawson notes that these informal jobs can be stressful and lack stability.

In Nigeria, informal transport workers face precarious conditions, as described by Laurent Fourchard's review of Daniel E. Agbiboa’s book. These workers often lack fixed incomes, days off, and social protection. Young Kenyans in Nairobi also face challenging conditions, with joblessness and relentless search for income leading to high levels of stress and substance use, according to anthropologist Peter Lockwood. Addressing this crisis will require tailored approaches for each country. Economists Derek Yu and Christie Swanepoel emphasize understanding the different categories of unemployed individuals to develop effective policies.

Their study found that nearly 43% of unemployed South Africans were in transitory situations, while only 4.33% were unemployed throughout the seven-year period. They recommend improving education quality, aligning labour skills with market needs, and enhancing industrial policies to support labour-intensive employment. The need for effective job creation policies is urgent. Data scientist Katharina Fenz highlights the Africa Youth Employment Clock, which provides real-time data on employment trends across the continent. This tool reveals shifts in employment patterns, such as a decline in agricultural jobs and a move towards industry and services.

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Source: theconversation‍