Imagine a continent bursting with youthful energy, yet grappling with a crisis that threatens its very future: millions of young Africans chasing dreams but hitting roadblocks at every turn. That's the stark reality facing the next generation in Africa, and it's the fiery topic dominating discussions at the upcoming G20 summit. But here's where it gets controversial—these young voices aren't just asking for jobs; they're demanding a revolution in how we think about work, education, and global fairness. Stick around, because the insights from the Youth20 (Y20) group could change how you view the world's economic powerhouse.
Youth20, or Y20 for short, is one of 13 official groups that help shape policies during G20 meetings. Made up of energetic delegates between 18 and 30 years old from G20 countries, this group is gearing up for a pivotal gathering in the City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, just 38 kilometers east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Their mission? To hammer out a roadmap on pressing issues—like creating jobs, building skills, promoting climate justice, and fostering inclusive growth—that directly impact young people worldwide. This year's agenda aligns perfectly with South Africa's leadership of the G20, focusing on five key areas: tackling climate change and environmental sustainability, driving inclusive economic growth and employment, harnessing AI and digital innovations alongside education for the jobs of tomorrow, ensuring young people have a real say in global governance and decisions, and advancing social development to combat inequality. Each area is led by its own dedicated team of experts.
And this is the part most people miss: for African delegates, the spotlight shines brightest on unemployment, skills gaps, and equitable growth. Picture this—the African Development Bank (AfDB) reports that every year, 10 to 12 million young Africans flood into the job market, but the continent only generates about 3 million formal positions. In South Africa, hosting the summit, the situation is even more alarming, with over 60% of youth unemployed—ranking it among the highest rates globally. This isn't just numbers; it's lives stalled in limbo.
On top of those without work, countless others are stuck in informal jobs that don't provide the stability or quality of life of traditional formal employment. In low- and middle-income African nations, the AfDB estimates that only 10-15% of young workers land paid positions with benefits. The rest scramble in the informal sector, dealing with irregular pay, no perks, slim chances for advancement, and struggles to plan finances, save, or build wealth. It's a tough cycle that keeps many from achieving true financial freedom.
As highlighted by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in their report (available at https://mo.ibrahim.foundation/news/2019/africas-first-challenge-youth-bulge-stuck-waithood), informal work has become the norm rather than the exception for Africa's employed youth. Without enough formal jobs or safety nets, many turn to this sector just to survive, often landing in uncertain roles that delay key milestones like financial independence and adulthood—what the Foundation calls 'waithood.' This trap fosters pessimism about standards of living and long-term security, painting a bleak picture for the continent's future.
Africa stands out as the planet's youngest region, with a median age of just 19.3 and over 60% of its people under 25, per United Nations data. By 2050, its population is expected to surge from 1.55 billion in 2025 to 2.5 billion, meaning one in every four global inhabitants will be African. This youthful boom is a double-edged sword: it could spark innovation and prosperity, but without enough opportunities, it risks worsening poverty, fueling outward migration, igniting social unrest and conflicts, and triggering a cascade of negative economic, social, and political fallout.
'We've been alarmed over the last year watching protests erupt among youth in Kenya, Morocco, and Madagascar,' explains Mona Idrissu, Head of Youth Employment and Skills at the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET). 'They're rightfully demanding better access to quality jobs and fulfilling lives.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Idrissu believes the fastest fix lies in boosting technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. Think of TVET as hands-on learning that teaches practical skills for real-world trades, like mechanics, nursing, or tech repair—equipping young people with tools employers actually need. To make this happen, she calls for governments to reform their finances, redirecting funds from debt payments toward education. Right now, too many African nations pour money into servicing loans while barely scratching the surface on skills training.
'Without room in budgets for these investments, leaders can't build systems that open doors, such as skills programs,' Idrissu points out. 'At ACET, we're urging governments to fund inclusive TVET and for the private sector to help design curricula that match today's and tomorrow's job demands.'
A recent ACET study by Idrissu and economist Habtamu Edjigu (check it out at https://acetforafrica.org/research-and-analysis/reports-studies/reports/building-technical-and-vocational-education-and-training-tvet-systems-for-economic-transformation-in-africa/) reveals shocking gaps: Ghana dedicates only 2% of its education budget to TVET, Ethiopia under 10%. These shortages cripple investments in buildings, teacher prep, and updating lesson plans. In Rwanda, a whopping 93% of students polled highlighted outdated tools and insufficient facilities as major learning hurdles.
Beyond money woes, stigma is a sneaky barrier. TVET is often seen as a backup plan—a 'last resort' for those who don't make it to university—rather than a respected path. This mindset turns off youth and their families, reinforcing the idea that it's only for those who couldn't aim higher, which is far from the truth. In reality, TVET can lead to stable, well-paying careers that drive economic growth. Take, for example, a young person trained in renewable energy tech; they could be at the forefront of Africa's green revolution, creating jobs while fighting climate change.
The study underscores that TVET across Africa, despite varying national contexts, battles shared deep-seated issues: persistent underfunding, teacher shortages, lack of professional growth for educators, crumbling infrastructure, and a disconnect between what schools teach and what employers seek. Addressing these could unlock a wave of skilled workers ready to power the continent's progress.
What do you think? Is TVET the game-changer Africa needs, or should resources go elsewhere, like university expansions? Do you believe informal jobs are a necessary stepping stone, or a trap that holds back generations? And what's your controversial take on government priorities—should debt relief take precedence over education? We'd love to hear your thoughts—agree, disagree, or add your own ideas in the comments below!
