Is Africa's youth population size to blame for its youth unemployment rate?

Questions are being raised regarding the links between Africa's large youth population and its high youth unemployment rate.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest youth population in the world, with the fastest population growth projected between now and 2050.

Initial regional employment statistics are relatively encouraging. According to the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO’s) 2014 report, Africa holds a youth unemployment rate of 11.9%, below the current global average of 13.1%.

However, certain nations within the continent are definite causes for concern.

For example, South Africa’s youth unemployment rate stands at a staggering 50%, one of the highest in the region. Nigeria’s rate of 13%, while similar to the current global average, is equally worrying given its relatively large population size.

However, as IZA World of Labor’s David Lam points out, youth population sizes are not the only contributing factor to youth unemployment rates. Specific economic contexts must also be taken into account, including the size of the labor market and investment in skill development.

Tighisti Amare of Chatham House has come to similar conclusions, stating that African countries need to address systemic issues through “transformative economic policies and social sector spending.”

She has commented: “As populations expand, a concerted effort needs to avoid the destabilizing factors that result from youth exclusion and lack of equitable growth."

Read more here.

Related articles:
Youth bulges and youth unemployment, by David Lam
The effect of early retirement schemes on youth employment, by René Böheim