Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has called for bold action to address Africa’s employment challenge through agro-industrialization and innovation.
He made the call during the 3rd Africa Job Creation Forum which took place in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, under the theme “Advancing Job Creation and Economic Resilience through Regional Integration, Digital and Financial Inclusion along Agricultural Value Chains in the AfCFTA Market.”
The Chairperson emphasized the pressing need for job creation and economic integration across Africa, noting that agriculture remains a crucial sector while existing agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area will greatly contribute to job creations across the continent.
He said the private sector also needs to be encouraged to engage in trade and adopt innovative models to address the challenges in digital commerce, Youssouf added.
The chairperson also stated Africa needs sustained investments to eradicate poverty and empower the new generation with digital skills and entrepreneurial spirit, he stated, appreciating Ethiopia’s remarkable transformation, particularly in agriculture, with advancements in crop production.
On average, youth unemployment is over 20% in Africa – double the world average. But the aggregate figures mask the severity of the issue in different African countries. Youth unemployment exceeds 50% in South Africa, Senegal, Nigeria, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Mauritania, and Botswana, according to official data.
Rates are also intolerably high in North African countries like Tunisia (over 40%), Egypt (34%), and Algeria (almost 30%).
Overall, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest regional youth unemployment rate globally at over 30% . Without urgent action, the situation could worsen as 10-12 million youth enter the workforce annually. Tapping this enormous human resource potential is critical for Africa to harness the demographic dividend and achieve sustainable development.
The Forum underscored the importance of regional integration, free movement of people, and fully operational AU financial institutions to unlock decent and sustainable jobs for Africa’s youth.
MG/abj/APA