Africa continues to grapple with rising youth unemployment, a decade after the UN’s 2030 sustainable development agenda was adopted. In response, many African nations are now channeling resources into youth enterprises to promote self-employment as a solution.
According to recent data from the Africa Youth Employment clock, the situation appears to be worsening. By 2025, an estimated 121 million young people between ages 15 and 35 will be classified as either unemployed or NEETs (not in education, employment, or training). This represents an increase of 2.8 million compared to 2024 figures.
This shift towards funding youth enterprises reflects a growing recognition that traditional employment paths may not be sufficient to address the continent’s job crisis. Governments are increasingly viewing entrepreneurship support as a vital tool for creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Source: The East African Original article
What specific types of support do you think would be most effective in helping young entrepreneurs succeed—direct funding, business training, mentorship, or something else? Share your experiences and insights.