World Data Lab and Mastercard Foundation created the Africa Youth Employment Clock to track employment trends among people aged 15-35 across the continent. The tool analyzes labor market data from 54 African countries and provides forecasts through 2030. Currently, 23.6 million young Africans remain unemployed, representing 4.5 percent of the demographic. Projections indicate this figure will reach 27 million by 2030.
Data reveals agricultural employment continues declining while construction and service sectors expand. Kenya demonstrates strong educational achievement, with 80 percent of youth completing secondary school compared to Africa's 46 percent average. The clock identified concerning patterns where 111.6 million young people remain outside employment, education, or training programs.
Working poverty affects 40 percent of employed youth who earn insufficient wages despite having jobs. Policymakers can utilize this information to develop targeted interventions that increase educational access and create opportunities in emerging economic sectors across African nations.
Data reveals agricultural employment continues declining while construction and service sectors expand. Kenya demonstrates strong educational achievement, with 80 percent of youth completing secondary school compared to Africa's 46 percent average. The clock identified concerning patterns where 111.6 million young people remain outside employment, education, or training programs.
Working poverty affects 40 percent of employed youth who earn insufficient wages despite having jobs. Policymakers can utilize this information to develop targeted interventions that increase educational access and create opportunities in emerging economic sectors across African nations.
