Introduction

 Africa, a word believed to have originated from the Latin word “Africus,” which means “sunny” or “hot,” is a continent blessed with vast resources and a youthful population. It has the potential to be an economic powerhouse. However, entrenched systemic issues have led to a situation where the continent’s youth are disproportionately affected by economic oppression. This article delves into the various facets of Africa’s economy and examines how it stifles the aspirations and opportunities of its youth.

Africa’s Economic Landscape

 Africa’s economic landscape has been shaped by a complex interplay of historical factors, including colonialism, exploitation of natural resources, and post-independence challenges. The legacy of colonialism left many African nations with extractive economies geared towards serving the interests of foreign powers rather than fostering sustainable development. Resource curse is a contributing factor to Africa’s economic challenges. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources, many African countries have struggled to translate this wealth into broad-based prosperity. This often results in the mismanagement of resources, corruption, and economic dependency on commodities whose prices are subject to volatile fluctuations in the global market. Countries such as Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest oil producer and having vast reserves of natural gas, face persistent challenges with unemployment, particularly among its youth population. South Africa, rich in mineral resources including gold, platinum, coal, and diamonds, struggles with high levels of unemployment, especially among young people,  Angola, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are no different. 

The youth and employment

 Unemployment is a pervasive issue among African youth. According to the African Development Bank, youth unemployment rates in some countries exceed 30%, with even higher rates among urban youth and those with higher levels of education. The lack of job opportunities not only deprived young people of income but also robs them of a sense of purpose and belonging in society. Due to the government’s inability to establish businesses and create employment avenues, much of the population relies on the informal economy for livelihood. Informal economic activities such as street vending, home-based businesses, informal transportation services, and informal financial services play a significant role in providing livelihoods for the population, particularly the youth. However, informal employment often lacks security, decent wages, and access to social protection. Additionally, informal workers face exploitation, discrimination, and limited opportunities for skills development and upward mobility.

The reason(s) behind high unemployment rate in Africa amongst the youth 

The lack of skills and training, along with the theory-based educational structure in most African countries, exacerbate the economic crisis facing the youth. Despite efforts from various governments and Non-Governmental Organizations to improve access to education, many African youth still lack the skills and training needed to compete in the modern job market. The mismatch between educational outcomes and the demands of the labor market exacerbates youth unemployment and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.

Tackling economic stifling and job scarcity

Addressing the economic oppression of youth in Africa requires a multi-faceted approach involving policy interventions aimed at fostering inclusive growth, promoting job creation, and empowering young people to realize their full potential. Here are several measures that governments can take to resolve economic oppression of the youth: Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Skills Development and Lifelong Learning, Community Development and Social Entrepreneurship, Networking and Collaboration, Financial Literacy and Savings, and Volunteering and Community Service.

Conclusion 

In summation, as the saying goes, ‘all’s well that ends well.’ Africa’s youth represent the continent’s greatest asset and its most significant opportunity for sustainable development. However, unlocking this potential requires concerted efforts to dismantle the structures of economic oppression that have long stifled their aspirations and opportunities. By investing in education, promoting inclusive growth, and empowering young people to become agents of change, Africa can chart a path towards a more prosperous and equitable future for all.