Entrepreneurship as a panacea to increasing youth unemployment in Africa

The African youth population is expected to increase up to over 830 million by 2050 and an estimated 263 million young people may not be gainfully employed by 2025 according to the African Development Bank projection. This is quite worrisome as there is currently an increase in migration of young and skilled Africans to other continents, as well as poor living conditions, increased crime rates, and social vices among the African youth population as a result of unemployment, amongst other factors. Urgent attention is, therefore, required towards reducing the rate of unemployment in Africa. Although job creation and the provision of economic opportunities for citizens are constitutional duties of government officials and public office holders, the alarming increase in youth unemployment calls for a more holistic and sustainable approach to addressing this challenge – hence the need for human capacity building towards self-employment and sustenance. The promotion of entrepreneurship through formal and informal education in Africa, provision of mentorship programmes, and start-up funds will provide a short- and long-term solution to the scourge of youth unemployment in Africa.

The Role of Regional Organisations in Economic Growth Among Developing Countries: A Case of the Af DB

This article seeks to examine how regional organisations in Africa are responding to the growing call for them to provide alternative approaches and models of economic development in the continent. The study interrogates the role of the African Development Bank (AfDB) as an agent of a changing global governance system and an emerging leader in Africa’s development journey. The article begins by reflecting on the debate of a decline in global governance; it looks at Africa within the global economy and examines the organisational structure, contributions and changing role of the AfDB since its inception. It concludes that the AfDB finds itself in a unique position of trust among donors and African states at a time when traditional institutions are becoming less popular. It recommends AfDB adopt a number of reforms needed to help it maximise its impact on the continent.