Unlocking the Potential of Youth to Drive Development Transformations in East Africa
Employment pressure
youth enter the African labor market annually, but only 3M new formal jobs are created.
limited youth opportunities
is the youth unemployment rate in Africa as of 2023, slightly below pre-pandemic levels.
Workforce underUtilization
of African youth are NEET — not in employment, education, or training.
Limited access to longterm work
of employed young adults (ages 25–29) are in insecure or vulnerable jobs.
At Vanguard Economics Foundation, we are committed to empowering youth with the skills, opportunities, and support they need to drive East Africa’s future. Our approach focuses on three key pillars:
Thought leadership to influence inclusive youth employment policies and practices
Building a sustainable community of youth entrepreneurs
Upskilling Rwandan youth to prepare for the job market
We’re excited to share insights from our participants in one of our programs as they reflect on how the program is shaping their ideas, helping them refine their strategies, and equipping them with the tools to grow their businesses.
With youth unemployment remaining a pressing concern around the continent, addressing this challenge is central to our economic future. Your contribution can provide crucial resources, mentorship, and training to empower the next generation of leaders.
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