The World Bank has just sounded the alarm about a major obstacle to Africa’s economic development: the skills gap on the continent. According to its recent analyses, young graduates often leave school without the profile employers are looking for, fueling unemployment and underemployment in several African countries.
A Growing Gap Between Degrees and Market Needs
The World Bank highlights a growing gap between the qualifications available in Africa and the expectations of businesses. Labor markets are suffering from a shortage of technicians, science professionals, and operational managers, even in countries where the economy is gradually opening up to industry and digital services. As a result, many young people graduate but remain “not in education, employment, or training” (NEET), including in countries with sustained growth like Ghana.
Worrying figures on young people
Figures released by the World Bank show that nearly 30% of young people aged 15 to 24 in sub-Saharan Africa are neither employed nor in education or training, with figures reaching around 70% in Niger. This phenomenon has worsened in several economies, such as Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Togo, and Uganda, increasing the pressure on public policies and education systems. The Bank also emphasizes that skills acquired in school can quickly deteriorate if they are not put into practice in the job market.
Why this skills gap is hindering growth
The skills gap limits companies’ ability to invest and grow due to a lack of skilled labor. Key sectors (agribusiness, energy, digital technology, and high-value-added services) are particularly affected, which is hindering economic diversification and the creation of productive jobs. In a context where African growth remains fragile, this social and economic bottleneck risks jeopardizing the expected demographic benefits of the continent’s youth.
What the World Bank recommends
To address this gap, the World Bank calls for strengthening the governance of learning and better aligning education systems with market needs. Specifically, it recommends:
- reforming apprenticeships and internships to make them more practical and funded;
- formalizing the role of employers in designing training programs;
- diversifying training pathways (apprenticeships, technical programs, short certified training courses).
As illustrated by its Nigerian example, programs that combine training, internships, and entrepreneurship support can enable approximately 70% of young participants to find employment or start their own businesses.
