The global population is projected to reach 10.3 billion by 2100, according to the United Nations, with 80% residing in Africa and Asia. While this demographic shift presents opportunities for economic growth, it also poses significant challenges, particularly regarding poverty, deprivation and unemployment. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure a prosperous and equitable future. In 2024, the “PEOPLE” Action Group conducted in-depth discussions and dialogues to understand these challenges and how to tackle them, to ensure that the potential of all youth is realised.  The Group’s discussions were premised on the notion that any nation’s strength lies in the quality of its human capital, emphasising the role of investments in the overall well-being of  youth. 

A situational analysis by the PEOPLE group examined demographic trends and their implications for welfare of young people living in low-income countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia. First, data showed that Sub-Saharan Africa had registered the highest population growth rate, averaging 2.3% annually. On one hand, this demographic structure presents  opportunities to achieve tremendous economic growth through increased labour market participation. On the other, it can be a time bomb without proper parallel investments in education and healthcare systems, and without rendering youth productive to the economy. 

The later case is true for many low-income countries in Africa and Asia. For instance, despite substantial progress in school enrolments in Africa, data shows that a large share of the region’s young people still have no access to education.  Specifically, among  the 244 million children and youth aged 6 to 18 out of school globally, 30% are in sub-Saharan Africa. Even those enrolled in school  are not learning effectively, reflecting the extent of learning poverty in the region. More than 90% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot read or comprehend basic text by age 10, indicating a severe learning crisis. This is due to a series of factors, including inadequate school infrastructure resources, poor teacher quality, and household poverty.

Due to these systemic failures, many young people in the region lack the skills required in the labour market. Moreover, outdated education systems exacerbate this issue. Our discussion with youth leaders in Kenya showed that over 30,000 university graduates in the country enter the job market each year, yet less than 20% secure formal employment. The situation is even worse for graduates from technical institutions and colleges, highlighting the gap between education and employment.

High youth unemployment has also led to growing dissatisfaction and social unrest in Africa.  Civil uprisings have spread in West African countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso, where young people have taken to the streets in response to limited job opportunities and poor governance. In Kenya, Generation Z (aged 13-28) has organised multiple protests against youth unemployment and political exclusion. Another consequence of high unemployment is increased migration from Africa to regions such as Europe and the Middle East. While skilled professionals seek better opportunities, a significant number of unskilled or unemployed youth migrate for low-wage jobs. More than 30,000 young Ugandan women with limited education migrate to Middle Eastern countries, working as domestic workers and cleaners. Many face harsh working conditions, exploitation and abuse. In West and North African countries, numerous young Africans from Libya, Burkina Faso and Mali flee on rickety boats across the Mediterranean Sea in hopes of finding employment in Europe.

The youth bulge with limited employment opportunities has also contributed to the rise of cybercrime. In Nigeria, many young people – no longer interested in formal employment – have turned to internet fraud and cybercrimes. This trend is reflected in International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates, showing that 22% of Nigerian youth aged 15-24 are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET), surpassing the global average of 20%.

To address these challenges, governments and development partners must deliberately increase investments in education, ensuring that curricula are updated to equip students with market-relevant skills. Vocational training and upskilling programs should be expanded to improve youth employability, particularly for those currently outside the labor market.

Healthcare investments are equally important. Improved access to birth control, family planning, and healthcare services can help manage population growth while reducing dependency burdens and household poverty. Additionally, investments in child and youth health services, resulting in reducing under-five mortality and extending adolescent health services, will enhance long-term human capital development. Social protection programs must also be strengthened to improve the well-being of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programs can provide financial support and resources during economic shocks, pandemics, and climate-related disasters, which have become more frequent and severe. Over time, these investments will help reduce inequalities and help unlock the profound potential of  Global South youth.

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