Reflections on volunteerism and youth employment in Africa
Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70 per cent of Sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30, according to UN estimates. By 2050, one out of three young people in the world will be living in Sub-Saharan Africa. The burgeoning youth population is both an opportunity and a challenge for the continent. To harness this demographic opportunity, there are hurdles for the continent to overcome. One of the most significant hurdles is that of youth unemployment. While the continent's significant natural resources are vital, the creativity, skills and innovation of its youthful population will be the most important factor in the continent's economic transformation.
The African Development Bank reports that while 10 million to 12 million youth enter the workforce in Africa each year, only 3 million formal jobs are created annually.