Minister warns of 300 million youth unemployment in Africa
• As experts partner to provide data for solution
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has stated that youth unemployment in the African continent in the next six years will rise to 300 million, describing the figure as scary.
Onyejeocha, who dropped the hint at the launch of the Africa Youth Employment Clock in Abuja, explained that the figure was not just a number, but represented dreams unfulfilled, potential unrealised, and socio-economic challenges that threatened the stability and progress of the nations.
She, however, expressed delight to the World Data Lab and Mastercard Foundation that launched the Clock, thanking them for the opportunity to speak on a matter critical not only to Nigeria, but to African countries on the challenge of youth unemployment.
“Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, is no stranger to the youth unemployment challenge. With the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Government, we are taking bold steps to address this challenge. We plan to generate employment.”
The minister declared: “Our policies are deeply aligned with the aspirations of the National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the long-term vision of Nigeria Agenda 2050 is leverage on agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and creative industries to employ young people.
“We are developing the digital economy to create a million new technological-based jobs in the next six years. This will align with the global shift towards a knowledge-based economy and positions Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital future,” she added.
Also, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said Africa faced unprecedented growth in its youth population, saying the leadership had a duty to harness the demographic potential by creating meaningful employment opportunities.
MEANWHILE, experts from the World Data Lab and the MasterCard Foundation have called for increased youth employment opportunities for socioeconomic development following the projections of a glooming unemployment outlook. They also spoke at the inauguration of the African Youth Employment Clock, yesterday, in Abuja.
Nigeria Country Director, Master Card Foundation, Rosy Fynn, said: “The Africa Youth Employment Clock will be instrumental in providing critical labour market insights.
“In Nigeria, where we have the continent’s largest youth population, this tool will be particularly valuable in shaping strategies that address both the challenges and opportunities young Nigerians face in the workforce.”
Vice President, Strategic Engagements, World Data Lab, Dr Reshma Sheoraj, said: “Our mission is to provide decision-makers with the crucial data needed to drive meaningful change for the world’s youngest workforce. We are honored to collaborate with the Mastercard Foundation in advancing a deeper understanding of youth employment in Africa.”
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