Despite the continent’s immense potential, characterized by abundant natural resources and a youthful population, unemployment rates among young people have reached alarming levels.
According to the African Development Bank, (AfDB), Africa’s youth population is rapidly growing and expected to double to over 830 million by 2050.
“Of Africa’s nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, one-third are unemployed and discouraged, another third are vulnerably employed, and only one in six is in wage employment.” the AfDB report noted.
This issue is complex and multifaceted, driven by economic, social, and structural factors that hinder job creation and skills development.
One of the primary reasons for high youth unemployment in Africa is the disconnect between the education system and the needs of the labor market. Many educational institutions focus on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills.
In a report for The Conversation, Professor Stephen Onyeiwu argues that most young people seeking to migrate for greener pastures lack the necessary skills to do so.
“This lack of skills is not only a Nigerian problem; it is pervasive across Africa. This explains why much of labour migration – about 80% – in Africa is intra-regional, rather than international. It consists mainly of unskilled workers.” he said
Consequently, graduates often lack the technical and vocational skills required by industries, leaving a significant number unemployable in the formal economy.
While some African countries have intensified efforts to address youth unemployment, others have seen the issue escalate to alarming levels, fueling unrest and protests across the continent.
Data from Trading Economics highlights the unemployment rates in seven African nations
| Rank | Country | Youth Unemployment rate (%) | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
South Africa |
60.2 |
Sep/24 |
|
2 |
Angola |
56.4 |
Jun/24 |
|
3 |
Morocco |
39.5 |
Sep/24 |
|
4 |
Ethiopia |
27.2 |
Dec/22 |
|
5 |
Cape Verde |
23.9 |
Dec/23 |
|
6 |
Rwanda |
18.8 |
Aug/24 |
|
7 |
Nigeria |
6.5 |
Jun/24 |
The table reveals that South Africa and Angola have alarmingly high youth unemployment rates, exceeding 50%.
In contrast, Ethiopia, Morocco, and Cape Verde exhibit moderate levels, while Rwanda and Nigeria report relatively low youth unemployment rates.
According to the regional data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sub-Saharan Africa had an average youth unemployment rate at 8.9%.
Central Africa reported a youth unemployment rate of 13.5%, while Eastern Africa recorded 7.2%. Southern Africa had the highest rate at 47.5%, whereas West Africa reported the lowest rate at 5.0%.
