Report · 2026

Africa Youth Employment Outlook Report

By 2030, Africa will add 132 million young people to its population — the largest youth surge in history, making up nearly a quarter of the world's youth. This demographic wave offers unprecedented potential for economic growth, but only if matched with urgent investment in skills, job quality and gender inclusion.

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Cover of the Africa Youth Employment Outlook 2026 report

The reality behind the numbers

High employment, low quality

57% of Africa's 532 million youth will be employed in 2025, yet 90% of those jobs are informal, and 104 million young workers live in households classified as extremely poor according to the international poverty line.

A gender gap that costs billions

Women make up nearly two-thirds of NEET youth (not in employment, education, or training). Closing this gap could add nearly $172 billion to Africa's economy.

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What you'll find inside

High employment ≠ economic security
57% of African youth are employed, yet 90% of jobs are informal and 104 million young workers live in extreme poverty.
Sectoral shift
By 2033, services will become the largest employer of young Africans, overtaking the long-dominant agriculture sector.
Urbanisation reshaping jobs
The share of youth employed in urban areas has increased from 35% in 2015 to 38% in 2025, with services and industry driving growth.

Download the report Executive summary

Spreads from the Africa Youth Employment Outlook 2026 report

Why it matters

The Africa Youth Employment Clock

Africa will add 132 million young people (15–35) this decade — its largest-ever youth population growth, making up nearly a quarter of the world's youth by 2030. The clock tracks employment, informality and NEET rates in real time, country by country.

Access the clock ↗

Stories to inspire