As Africa’s population continues to surge, the pressing issue of youth unemployment demands innovative and effective job creation strategies. To achieve sustainable development, the continent is witnessing a transformation in employment opportunities, driven by cutting-edge initiatives across various sectors, from technology and entrepreneurship to agriculture and industry.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to boost intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs on 90% of goods, thereby catalysing economic growth and job creation. Projections indicate that AfCFTA will increase Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035, thereby lifting 30 million people out of extreme poverty.
Building on this foundation, AfCFTA prioritises inclusivity, particularly through its Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade. This protocol addresses structural barriers to create more job opportunities for women and young people, empowering them to fully participate in the trade framework and drive economic growth across the continent.
Introduced in 2018, the Youth Employment Service (YES) is a public-private collaboration between the South African government, labour unions, and the business sector. With a mission to generate one million job opportunities for young people, YES has already made significant progress, providing over 65,000 youth with valuable work experience and skills enhancement.
The South African government has also launched the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which has created millions of temporary job opportunities in various sectors, including construction, maintenance, and social services. Since its inception, EPWP has provided a vital lifeline to many unemployed individuals, offering them a chance to gain work experience and skills while contributing to the economy.
Rwanda’s youth empowerment initiatives include YouthConnekt, which connects young Rwandans with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and the Rwanda Global Business Services (GBS) Initiative, aiming to create 10,000 jobs by 2030. The Gabiro Agribusiness Hub (GAH), established in 2023, focuses on high-value crop production, ensuring food security and export capabilities.
Kenya’s Ajira Digital Programme has been instrumental in bridging the skills-jobs gap by equipping young people with digital skills and connecting them with online work opportunities. With over 100,000 trainees since its inception, Ajira has empowered a significant number of youths to transition into freelance and remote work, thus contributing to the growth of Kenya’s gig economy.
Ghana has implemented several initiatives to promote economic development and job creation. The One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme aims to establish factories in each district, creating jobs and reducing rural-urban migration. As of 2022, over 125 factories have been established, creating thousands of jobs.
The National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) also plays a key role in nurturing entrepreneurship, providing resources, training, and mentorship to startups and small businesses. Since its inception, NEIP has backed over 9,350 innovative ventures, leading to the creation of approximately 92,000 jobs across various industries.
In Nigeria, the N-Power Programme has made a significant impact on addressing youth unemployment by equipping over 500,000 young individuals with valuable skills and job opportunities across sectors such as education, agriculture, and health. The initiative has not only boosted employability but also contributed to the socioeconomic development of local communities.
The Ethiopian Jobs Compact, a collaborative effort between the World Bank and international partners, has spearheaded a comprehensive job creation initiative, targeting the development of industrial parks and manufacturing sectors. To date, the programme has successfully integrated over 100,000 youth and women into the formal economy, fostering their economic inclusion and driving growth in local industries.
These initiatives, focused on technology, agriculture, and industry, not only generate employment opportunities but also provide individuals with essential skills for long-term success. As the continent’s economy continues to evolve, sustained investment in job creation and innovation will be crucial for fostering sustainable growth and improving livelihoods across the region.
