The issue of insufficient decent and productive job opportunities continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing the African continent. This observation was highlighted by Mr. Jealous Chirove, an Employment Specialist from the International Labour Organization (ILO), during his presentation at a three-day media workshop on employment and labour issues in Southern Africa. The event, currently underway in Sandton, South Africa, aims to address key issues surrounding employment in the region.
In his address, Mr. Chirove emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to stimulate the creation of more and better jobs for all people in Africa. He highlighted that, despite various efforts, unemployment remains a persistent issue, especially among youth. According to recent labor surveys, Lesotho faces an unemployment rate of 22.3%, with youth unemployment reaching a staggering 35.5%. Similarly, Botswana is grappling with an unemployment rate of 27.4%, with youth unemployment nearly half at 49.6%. These figures reflect the critical challenges in addressing unemployment and underemployment across the continent, particularly in Southern Africa.
The high rates of youth unemployment are a cause for concern, as they represent a wasted potential of the future workforce. Young people, who are often eager to work and contribute to their economies, face significant barriers such as limited access to education, training, and relevant job opportunities. These challenges are compounded by the slow pace of economic diversification and the inadequate skills training offered to meet the needs of the modern labor market.
Mr. Chirove pointed out that creating decent jobs for Africa’s growing population requires a coordinated effort from governments, the private sector, and international organizations. It is essential to invest in education, vocational training, infrastructure development, and policies that promote inclusive economic growth. Additionally, the role of technology and digital transformation in creating new job opportunities should not be underestimated.
Addressing the issue of decent work is not only a matter of increasing the number of jobs but also ensuring that these jobs are of good quality. A decent job should offer fair wages, social protection, opportunities for career advancement, and a safe working environment. Unfortunately, many jobs in Africa remain informal, with little or no job security, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.
The lack of decent and productive jobs remains a major barrier to economic growth and social stability in Africa. To overcome this challenge, a multi-pronged approach is needed, focusing on job creation, skills development, and the improvement of working conditions. Only by addressing these issues can the continent hope to provide its citizens, especially its youth, with meaningful employment opportunities that foster prosperity and development.
