Africa's job market fails to provide decent work for youth, think tank says
The continent’s youth could be a huge asset but what they need is secure, well-paid work, according to the African Center for Economic Transformation.
Africa's burgeoning young population, often celebrated as the continent's most valuable economic resource, is facing a critical challenge: a job market that is failing to deliver decent, life-affirming employment, according to the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET). In a recent report, ACET highlighted that fewer than one in five working young Africans enjoy health coverage or social security, and only slightly more than a quarter receive paid holiday leave.
Approximately one-third of young Africans are engaged in informal roles within the agricultural sector. ACET's analysis suggests that small- to medium-sized domestic enterprises, particularly in technology, pharmaceuticals, and construction, have demonstrated stronger job growth and superior employment conditions compared to larger corporations.
ACET's Mona Iddrisu emphasized the need for greater focus on these smaller sectors to ensure they can absorb more young people, while also preventing the dilution of benefits.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
