3 months ago
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Close to seven million African youths are unable to get employment opportunities in the African labour market every year, the British Council says.
The British Council Country Director, in Malawi, Vera Ng’oma, disclosed that at least 10 million youths enter Africa’s labour market, but only 3.1 million new formal wage jobs are created.
As the world celebrates International Youth Day, Ng’oma said in a statement that the challenges are substantial – poor educational outcomes, a shortage of relevant skills, and low job creation.
According to her, skills and jobs are crucial for Africa’s economies, especially as its youth population is projected to be the world’s largest by 2050, though progress on SDG 8.6, which is promoting youth employability, education, and training, remains slow.
While saying employability is a key issue for the education sector, the British Council official stated that the urgency lies in creating a coordinated approach that aligns school-work systems, promotes collaboration between training institutions and employers, and integrates educational and economic considerations to boost the job market and create necessary skills.
Speaking on the efforts of the council, the official maintained that jobs are much sought after but self-employment is increasingly becoming a pragmatic option for earning a livelihood across Africa.
“SoCreative, the British Council’s free, self-paced online learning platform is equipping thousands of creative entrepreneurs and leaders with business skills, knowledge, and understanding.
“In Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, our Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation programme is helping bridge the digital divide. About 18,000 people with disabilities, disadvantaged youth, and women have improved their digital skills, started businesses, and are accessing new markets. This impact story shows how an inclusive approach is making a difference,” she noted.
She added, however, that entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa would need deeper investment to become a real source of jobs as it still faces challenges, including financing, regulatory barriers, and lack of a supportive ecosystem.
Ng’oma explained that the youth unemployment rate for females is 9 to 13 per cent higher than for males in most African countries.
“Young women face various workplace inequities, including unequal pay and fewer promotions. Our efforts to not only make more young women employable but also to ensure they remain in the workforce are yielding positive results.
“Our Ignite Culture programme, operating in 14 African countries, provides grants and business support to creative and cultural enterprises, many of which are led by women.
“We continue to create an enabling environment by partnering to influence legislation, policy, and practice. Through dialogue, research, and evidence-based decisions, we aim to improve the lives of women and girls,” the official
She emphasised that high unemployment is not just an economic risk; it is also a social risk, as insufficient economic opportunities can threaten community stability.
It was emphasised that the youth employability agenda must go beyond individual programmes, embracing a bold, continent-wide ambition, collective leadership, and imaginative approaches that involve the agency of young people facing these challenges.
Highlighting the need for employability, Ng’oma stated, “Unfortunately, education and industry have often failed to collaborate as needed, leading to a mismatch between the labour market and the skills it requires. A more integrated approach is essential for developing labour market-responsive curricula and fostering entrepreneurial learning to reduce barriers to youth employment and entrepreneurship.”
She warned, “The clock is ticking. We must accelerate our efforts to improve life prospects for Africa’s youth through systemic solutions that create opportunities, skills, and jobs, and stimulate the socio-economic growth essential for the continent’s prosperity. It is a call to action to step it up.”
