Youth, employment, and the future of work: A call for action

As the global landscape undergoes rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, climate change, and shifting economic paradigms, it is imperative that young people are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to navigate these challenges and seize emerging opportunities. The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) highlights the importance of preparing younger generations for the future, emphasising sustainability and inclusivity as key pillars of global economic development. This blog post explores the critical steps required to empower youth for the labour market.

Youth unemployment

In Sub-Saharan Africa, youth unemployment has far-reaching and severe consequences, driven by both economic challenges and systemic issues such as poor governance, corruption, and lack of democratic practices. These factors exacerbate poverty, increase unemployment, and strip away hope for young people, leaving them vulnerable to desperate measures. This hopelessness often drives young people towards delinquency, criminal activities, and, in some cases, violent extremism.

One of the most tragic outcomes of youth unemployment is irregular migration. Many young people, faced with a lack of opportunities at home, feel compelled to migrate in search of better prospects, often embarking on perilous journeys across deserts and seas. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), thousands of young Africans lose their lives each year in these dangerous attempts. Between 2018 and 2023 alone, 1,907 deaths were recorded among those trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. This loss of life is a devastating reminder that addressing youth unemployment is not only an economic necessity but also a humanitarian imperative. It certainly is a key aspect in socio-economic sustainability of societies. 

Preparing Youth for the Future of Work

Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and digital platforms, are reshaping industries globally, driving job creation while also contributing to job displacement. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, 75% of companies plan to adopt AI, creating demand for skills in data science, AI ethics, and cybersecurity. In Senegal, AI adoption is already gaining momentum. Reports like „L’éthique et la gouvernance de l’IA et ses applications au Sénégal„ highlight local AI initiatives and their applications in various fields such as financial services, where mobile banking has greatly expanded access to financial inclusion, and healthcare, where AI holds potential but still requires significant development​. 

The digital economy presents an immense opportunity for expanding youth employment. With the growth of remote work and digital platforms, young people, especially in regions like Africa, have access to global job markets without having to leave their home countries. For example, in Senegal, a growing number of young professionals work for European and American companies remotely, providing them with valuable experience and income. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), digital labour platforms can contribute significantly to youth employment, particularly in low and middle income countries, by connecting young workers to international clients and projects.

However, there are also challenges. While these technologies open new career paths, they also displace jobs in sectors like administration and clerical. Digital jobs are an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth, and at the same time, they can temporarily draw talent away from local markets, potentially limiting the availability of skilled workers for local enterprises. On the other hand, this trend often leads to a „brain gain“ when these young professionals return to the local market with enhanced skills and experience. Many young Senegalese who have worked for international companies may later establish their own startups locally, creating new jobs and contributing to the local economy in the medium to long term.

As we also see in the Senegalese context, to thrive in the modern labour market, young people must possess a diverse range of skills that extend beyond traditional academic knowledge. They also need cognitive/technical and, importantly, socio-emotional skills. Both are key for success and require training. 

Cognitive and Technical Skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability are essential for navigating a rapidly changing work environment. In Senegal, these skills are particularly crucial for enabling the country to shift from being a consumer to becoming a producer, fostering local industries and driving economic development. Additionally, proficiency in digital technologies—including programming, data analysis, AI, and cybersecurity—is increasingly in demand. According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 due to rapid technological advancements. To foster these skills, educational systems must prioritise project-based learning, multidisciplinary approaches, and problem-solving tasks that encourage creative thinking. Collaboration with industries is also vital to expose students to real-world challenges.

Socio-Emotional (Soft) Skills: Interpersonal communication, teamwork, empathy, and emotional intelligence are foundational to all other competencies. As industries continue to evolve and roles become more dynamic and interdisciplinary, the ability to collaborate across cultures, empathise with others, and communicate effectively becomes even more critical. The rise of remote work, gig economies, and global teams makes these skills invaluable and highlights the need for schools, universities, and workplaces to integrate soft skills training into their programs.

Educational challenges – preparing for work and entrepreneurship

In Senegal, we discuss the concept of „educational debt“. This refers to the cumulative deficiency in the quality and relevance of education that many young people experience. This debt manifests as a skills gap between what is taught in educational institutions and what is required in the job market. In fact, in many regions, outdated curricula, limited access to modern learning resources, and frequent interruptions in education (e.g., strikes, lack of funding) contribute to this debt. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has emphasized the need for continuous investment in education reform to address this gap, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the skills mismatch is a significant barrier to youth employment. Businesses, governments, and educational institutions need to collaborate closely to reform educational systems to be more aligned with the realities of the contemporary labour market. This includes incorporating digital literacy, entrepreneurial thinking, and critical soft skills into core curricula, and providing continuous learning opportunities for reskilling and upskilling throughout an individual’s career.

Entrepreneurship offers a viable pathway for young people to create their own jobs and contribute to economic growth, especially in regions with high unemployment rates and a lack of formal job opportunities. However, many young entrepreneurs face significant challenges, including limited access to capital, mentorship, and professional networks. 

To foster entrepreneurship among young people, governments, educational institutions, and businesses must collaborate to provide the necessary support and resources. Access to finance is a critical barrier to youth entrepreneurship in developing countries. This includes access to affordable financing options, such as micro-loans and grants, entrepreneurship training programs, startup incubators, and mentorship opportunities from seasoned entrepreneurs. Additionally, integrating entrepreneurial education into school and university programmes can foster a culture of innovation and self-reliance among youth.

Conclusion

Empowering youth for the labour market is a critical investment in the future of our societies. By focusing on developing future-oriented skills, promoting emerging technologies, fostering entrepreneurship, leveraging digital platforms, and addressing educational debt, we can equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Moreover, good governance and transparency in managing resources will ensure that the investments made have a lasting impact. Governments, educational institutions, businesses, and communities must work together to create a supportive environment that enables young people to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and inclusive economy.