To my knowledge, Africa is the continent where there is the most highly educated but jobless people. This “educated unemployed” phenomenon is a significant issue in many African countries.
Indeed, the job market is a tough terrain to navigate for anyone, let alone for the highly educated African people in Africa.
Despite the years of hard work and dedication put into their studies, many graduates in Africa find themselves struggling to find a job that matches their qualifications.
This sad reality is exemplified in the story of Imani, a young woman who recently graduated with a master’s degree in molecular biology in Nigeria.
Imani excelled in her studies and, after completing her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, went on to pursue a master’s degree in molecular biology.
After graduating, Imani started looking for a job in her field. But despite her impressive qualifications, she struggled to find employment. Discouragement and frustration settled in.
As time went on, Imani started to see she was not alone in her struggle. In fact, many of her classmates were unable to find jobs, despite their qualifications.
In fact, many highly educated individuals in Africa where facing the same music: jobless and disillusioned. Several key factors contribute to such problem.
Highly educated but jobless in Africa: what reasons?
Gap between curriculum and market needs
The mismatch between the skills that graduates possess and the skills that employers need does not make things easy.
Many universities in Africa focus on theoretical knowledge, which may not translate well into practical skills that employers are looking for.
Indeed, graduates usually have a strong academic background, whereas employers are looking for practical skills. If a candidate does not meet those requirements, they are often overlooked.
In the African employment market, as in several other places in the world, practical skills are more valuable than theoretical skills.
Limited opportunities to gain the hands on experience
Additionally, there are limited opportunities for internships and work experience. Many African countries are still developing, and there are not enough jobs to meet the demand.
In essence, there are many more job seekers than there are available positions. Many highly educated individuals are compete for a limited number of jobs, leading to even fiercer competition.
Moreover, many African economies are still heavily reliant on agriculture, which means that there are limited opportunities in other sectors.
Additionally, many companies in Africa are small and do not have the resources to hire highly skilled workers.
Nepotism and corruption
Unfortunately, in many African countries, there is also the problem of nepotism and corruption. In some countries, getting a job is not solely based on qualifications but also on who you know.
This makes it difficult for highly educated individuals who do not have the right connections to find employment.
What solutions to address the pandemic of highly educated but jobless people in Africa?
Focus on skills development
As previously mentioned, there is a lack of hands-on skilled people. Universities can work with employers to ensure that graduates have the skills that are in demand.
By providing training programs that bridge the skills gap, they can create a workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of employers.
Additionally, internships and work experience programs can provide graduates with practical skills and experience.
By equipping young people with practical skills that are in demand in the job market, they can increase their chances of finding work and build successful careers.
Promote entrepreneurship and business creation
Yes. Promoting entrepreneurship and business creation will help eradicating that problem. In many African countries, the informal sector is a significant contributor to the economy.
Many highly educated young people in Africa have innovative ideas to start profitable businesses. However, they often lack the necessary resources and support to bring these ideas to fruition.
By encouraging more youngsters to start their own businesses, there will be more job opportunities for highly educated individuals, but also employment opportunities for others in the community.
Governments and NGOs can play a role in promoting entrepreneurship by providing funding and training. For example, microfinance programs can provide small loans to individuals who want to start their own businesses.
Investment in private sectors
Governments can invest in the private sector, providing incentives for businesses to start and grow. This can be achieved through tax breaks, access to financing, and other support services.
Additionally, there needs to be a focus on creating a favorable business environment that encourages investment and growth. First from business owners (hiring on qualification and not nepotism). But also governments and people (by correcting unethical behaviors).
The only thing necessary for the perpetuation of evil is for good people to do nothing. Correction is necessary for the elimination of evilness and for improvement.
Conclusion
Through entrepreneurship, business creation, skills development and vocational training, we can create a brighter future for millions of young people across the African continent.
With the right support and resources, African governments and African citizens can overcome the challenges and make a difference in our communities.
It is time to move away from a culture that emphasizes job seeking to a culture that promotes job creation. By doing so, we can create a more prosperous and inclusive Africa.
As this post is coming to its end, I’d like to ask: what about you? Do you have any other ideas to eliminate the phenomenon of highly educated but jobless individuals in Africa? I love to read your thoughts in the comments section.
This post aimed to denounce the issue of highly educated but jobless people in Africa. Feel free to comment and share.