South Africa, Sudan… see 10 African countries with highest unemployment rate
In Africa, despite its rich natural and human resources, grappling with unemployment remains a significant challenge, hindering its economic growth. Securing employment on the continent proves arduous due to limited opportunities amidst economic struggles.
Despite government efforts to address the issue, their impact remains constrained, especially with a rapidly growing population. Last year in Dar es Salaam, African leaders acknowledged the gravity of the situation, culminating in a seven-point declaration to confront unemployment head-on.
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The youth, like elsewhere globally, face heightened vulnerability to joblessness, with Africa’s projected youth unemployment rate for 2024 standing at around 11 percent. Moreover, gender disparities persist, with men generally having an easier time securing employment compared to equally skilled women. In 2023, the female unemployment rate in Africa stood at eight percent, while for men, it was 6.6 percent.
Unemployment plagues economies across Africa, impacting both large and small nations. Presently, South Africa grapples with the highest unemployment ra te on the continent, soaring to 32.1 percent in 2024. Djibouti and Eswatini closely trail behind, with unemployment rates hovering around 28 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
Below are 10 African countries with the highest unemployment rate in 2024:
South Africa– 2.1%
Djibouti- 27.9%
Eswatini- 24.65%
Gabon- 21.35%
Congo- 21.3%
Botswana- 20.72%
Somalia- 20.53%
Namibia- 20.37%
Libya- 20.07%
10 ways government can tackle unemployment
There are several ways the government can tackle unemployment, some are;
Fiscal policy
Governments can use fiscal policy, such as increasing public spending on infrastructure projects, education, or healthcare, to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Monetary policy
Central banks can use monetary policy tools, like adjusting interest rates, to stimulate economic activity and encourage job ploymencreation.
Training and education programs
Investing in vocational training and education programs can help equip workers with the skills needed for available jobs, reducing structural unemployment.
Tax incentives
Providing tax incentives for businesses to hire and expand can encourage job creation and investment.
Labor market reforms
Implementing reforms to make labor markets more flexible, such as reducing regulations or streamlining hiring processes, can encourage businesses to hire more workers.
Subsidized employment programs
Offering subsidies to businesses that hire unemployed workers can incentivize job creation.
Job sharing and flexibility
Encouraging job sharing arrangements or flexible work arrangements can help redistribute available work among more people, reducing unemployment.
Infrastructure investment
Investing in infrastructure projects like transportation, energy, and communication can create jobs directly and stimulate economic activity in related industries.
Entrepreneurship support
Providing support for entrepreneurs and small businesses through access to financing, training, and mentorship can create new job opportunities.
Targeted support for vulnerable groups
Implementing targeted support programs for vulnerable groups such as youth, long-term unemployed, or individuals with disabilities can help address specific challenges they face in finding employment.
By implementing a combination of these strategies, governments can work to reduce unemployment and improve overall economic prosperity.
