At the upcoming Summit for the Future in New York, world leaders should focus on the vital role of education, particularly in Africa, where youth unemployment poses a significant challenge. Every month, one million young Africans enter the workforce, yet only 25% secure formal employment. This underutilization of youth potential is a missed opportunity for both the continent and the global economy.
Patrick Verkooijen, chancellor of the University of Nairobi, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. The International Labour Organization (ILO) recently warned of an impending "youthquake" in Africa if substantial efforts are not made to improve job opportunities. Recent protests in Nairobi further underscored young people’s frustration with the lack of employment prospects.
By 2050, Africa will be home to one-third of the world’s population under 25, necessitating the creation of 72.6 million jobs to maintain stability. Education is central to achieving this. However, many African graduates struggle to find work, as employers report a gap between academic skills and real-world job requirements.
In response, the University of Nairobi is embarking on a transformative journey, including the launch of an innovation park, a green jobs center, a school of artificial intelligence, an advanced health research institute, and a leadership institute. These initiatives aim to modernize education, enhance research, and foster partnerships with industries, ensuring students are better prepared for 21st-century careers.
International support is crucial to realizing this vision, especially as domestic fiscal constraints limit resources. With the right investments, Africa’s youth could become a driving force for innovation and sustainable development across the globe.
