300 Million Youths Face Unemployment Crisis In Africa: Minister Sounds Alarm

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has warned that youth unemployment in Africa is projected to reach 300 million within the next six years, describing the forecast as alarming.

Speaking at the launch of the Africa Youth Employment Clock in Abuja, Onyejeocha emphasized that this figure is not merely a statistic, but represents countless unfulfilled dreams, untapped potential, and socio-economic challenges that could undermine the stability and development of nations across the continent.

She expressed her appreciation to the World Data Lab and Mastercard Foundation for launching the Clock and providing her the opportunity to address an issue that is critical not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.

“Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, is all too familiar with the challenge of youth unemployment. With the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are making decisive efforts to tackle this issue.

“Our goal is to generate employment,” she stated.

The minister further highlighted that the government’s policies are closely aligned with the National Development Plan (2021-2025) and the long-term vision of Nigeria Agenda 2050.

She emphasized that the country aims to leverage key sectors like agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and the creative industries to create jobs for young people.

“We are focused on building the digital economy, with plans to create a million tech-driven jobs over the next six years.

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“This approach aligns with the global transition towards a knowledge-based economy and will position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital future,” Onyejeocha added.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, acknowledged the rapid growth of Africa’s youth population and stressed the responsibility of leadership to harness this demographic advantage by creating meaningful employment opportunities.

Eperts from the World Data Lab and Mastercard Foundation called for urgent action to expand youth employment opportunities in light of the grim unemployment projections.

They also spoke during the launch of the African Youth Employment Clock in Abuja.

Rosy Fynn, Nigeria Country Director for the Mastercard Foundation, noted that the Africa Youth Employment Clock would be a valuable tool in providing essential labor market data.

“In Nigeria, which has the largest youth population on the continent, this tool will play a crucial role in developing strategies that address both the challenges and opportunities facing young Nigerians in the workforce,” Fynn remarked.

Dr. Reshma Sheoraj, Vice President of Strategic Engagements at World Data Lab, added, “Our mission is to equip decision-makers with the critical data needed to create meaningful change for the world’s youngest workforce.

“We are honored to partner with the Mastercard Foundation in deepening the understanding of youth employment across Africa.”

Meanwhile, The Federal Government has initiated plans for the immediate enhancement of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri, Borno State.

This move was announced in a press statement issued by Funmi Imuetinyan, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.