Challenges and solutions
The importance of preparing African youth for the jobs of the future is the key to their success
The challenges of sub-Saharan Africa
By 2050, more than half of the world's population under the age of 24 will live and be educated in sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite strong economic growth in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, high youth unemployment remains one of the most urgent political and socio-economic challenges. Almost 16 million youth are facing unemployment in Africa today and this number is growing.
Youth unemployment in Africa is a key cause of chronic poverty and poor quality of life, clandestine migration, and political and social instability.
More importantly, it represents a failure to capitalise on one of the continent’s greatest potentials for economic growth: a growing population of dynamic, ambitious youth, in search of training, mentoring, and economic opportunities.
Job creation is key
Twelve million youth enter into the African labour market each year, and yet, only 3 million new jobs are created annually. The future of work also means that, in many cases, some jobs do not even exist yet. This presents an increasing challenge for African youth.
While they have a fundamental role in forming the workforce of the future, higher education institutions in Africa are not adequately preparing youth for the evolving labour marking, which is in turn contributing to youth unemployment on the continent. The current system of higher education in Africa is not responsive or innovative enough to empower youth with the knowledge, skills and know-how to thrive in a changing world.
The time is now for African educational ecosystems to begin preparing African youth for the jobs of the future.
AUF’s commitment to Africa is real, and enduring. For 45 years AUF has been present across the continent, with local and regional offices in 14 countries. With 60% of the African population below 25 years old, AUF is profoundly engaged in supporting our 300 African member universities to address the challenges of youth unemployment
The solutions and opportunities
Universities have a pivotal role to play in resolving the youth unemployment crisis in Africa by preparing students for a rapidly changing labour market and the global knowledge economy. Working together, universities have the potential to lead innovation in how we prepare the next generation for a lifetime of careers in a profoundly changing world.
In that respect, FutureWise will produce a tangible, transformative shift in strategy, structure and programming within African universities, positioning them to play a central role in preparing Africa’s youth for a disrupted future.
A five-year plan
FutureWise will evaluate progress by a measurable shift in 50 universities across Africa over a 5-year period, and beyond. This transformation will be signaled by:
- An increased acceptance of risk and willingness to pilot new ideas
- Expanded program offerings, with applied programs complementing traditional disciplines, and the development of new programs and modes of teaching
- Experiential learning and entrepreneurship opportunities, and meaningful work-integrated learning experiences
- Connectedness with the private and non-profit sectors, social enterprise partners and all levels of government
- Access to university spaces and resources by the broader community
- Structures that facilitate crossing disciplinary boundaries
- A transparent culture of decision-making
Preparing for a win-win scenario
FutureWise will deliver benefits for universities, students and the broader ecosystem in which they operate. How?
- Universities will be well-positioned to lead the way in navigating the unprecedented changes facing African societies
- Students will identify as business and jobs creators, or will be ready to integrate into the labour market
- Business, industry and government will benefit from a pool of recruits with a well-rounded, adaptable skillset, direct work experiences, and who are ready to hit the ground running
