Mass unemployment is a formidable threat to Africa’s future.
The ugly effect of mass unemployment in Africa is already showing its hand on the continent. From xenophobic attacks in South Africa, to mass migrations, to unrest in Nigeria and Kenya.
Youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa will fall slightly to 10.8% this year, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), a downward trajectory that began in 2012. Yet over 70% of Africa’s workers are in vulnerable employment, compared with an average of 43.6% elsewhere.
Nine out of 10 workers in rural and urban areas are thought to hold informal jobs, while 38% of young Africans demonstrate a willingness to emigrate.
As Africa’s population continues its extraordinary growth – it is expected to double by 2050 – millions more young people will continue to pour into a workforce defined by fierce competition and scarce opportunity.
According to Albert Zeufack, the World Bank’s Africa region chief economist, “Half of Africa’s population are under 18 and for many decades to come we expect Africa to be the youngest region in the world. Every year we have roughly 190m people between the ages of 15 and 24 entering the workforce – it’s critical that African governments tackle this issue head on.”
University enrolment doubled in Africa between 2000 and 2010. According to the World Bank’s 2016 World Development Report, at least 40% of jobs in Ethiopia, South Africa and Nigeria are vulnerable to automation.
Read the full article at: African Business Magazine
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