Africa's Youth Unemployment Crisis: A Call to Action for Regional Integration and Economic Freedom

As the continent with the youngest population in the world, Africa is facing a grave youth unemployment crisis. With more than two-thirds of its population under the age of 30, Africa is witnessing alarmingly high youth unemployment rates, up to three times higher than those for adults in some countries. This jobs gap has the potential to translate into social tensions, as witnessed during the Arab Spring, if not addressed promptly. The Pan African Youth Union, the African Development Bank, the African Union, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the International Labour Organization are joining forces to support national governments in tackling this issue.

Key Takeaways:

• The youth unemployment crisis in Africa is a pressing concern, with two-thirds of the continent's population under the age of 30.
• Youth unemployment rates in countries like South Africa, Tunisia, and Morocco are up to three times higher than rates for adults.
• The joint initiative aims to create synergies among the five institutions to increase the impact of youth employment activities in Africa.
• The initiative seeks to ensure that countries invest in skills development to increase the employability of African youth and sustain political leadership to implement necessary actions.
• The African Development Bank brings expertise in mobilizing financing, convening stakeholders, and shaping policies to tap into Africa's human capital.

Statistics:

• More than two-thirds of Africa's population is under the age of 30 (as stated by the International Labour Organization).
• Youth unemployment rates in countries like South Africa, Tunisia, and Morocco are up to three times higher than rates for adults (as stated by the International Labour Organization).
• In Cape Verde, the topic of youth unemployment has been placed at the heart of national policies, with a focus on educational programs and decision-making processes (as stated by H.E. Ms. Janira Hopffer Almada, Minister of Youth).

Sources:

• International Labour Organization (undated)
• Janira Hopffer Almada, Minister of Youth, Employment and Human Resources Development, Cape Verde (as quoted in the ILO's Twelfth African Regional Meeting)
• Pan African Youth Union (undated)
• African Development Bank (undated)
• United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (undated)
• African Union (undated)