Entrepreneurship: Solution to youth unemployment in Africa

At the just concluded EU-Africa Business Forum in Brussels, the Code of Wands Minister for the Promotion of Youth Employment, Sidi Toure, emphasized the crucial role of entrepreneurship in tackling the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Africa. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Minister Toure highlighted the strategies being implemented in Cote d'Ivoire to address this challenge. He explained that under the leadership of President Alassane Watara, a comprehensive youth policy has been developed to provide solutions for the country's young population. The policy is structured into various sub-strategies focusing on youth protection, social services, employment, and integration, with the overarching goal of engaging youth in entrepreneurship to combat unemployment. Minister Toure emphasized the need for targeted solutions tailored to the diverse sectors of youth society, affirming that the key to success lies in understanding and addressing the specific needs of young people at every level. One of the key initiatives in Cote d'Ivoire's youth employment strategy is the establishment of an agency dedicated to addressing youth employment challenges. Known as Agence Amlagion, the agency works at the administrative level to identify and implement solutions aimed at enhancing youth employment opportunities and integration within the Ivorian economy. Minister Toure underscored the importance of incentivizing young people to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable pathway to self-employment, especially in a context where traditional job markets may be limited. By encouraging a shift in mindset and instilling confidence in the youth population, Minister Toure believes that unlocking the entrepreneurial spirit among Ivorian youth is essential to driving economic growth and reducing unemployment rates. When asked about the strength of the entrepreneurship spirit in Cote d'Ivoire, Minister Toure likened it to global trends, emphasizing the importance of instilling confidence in young people to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. He noted that by fostering a supportive environment and providing the necessary resources, a culture of entrepreneurship is taking root in the country, empowering youth to pursue innovative business ventures and contribute to the nation's economic development. In terms of job creation targets, Minister Toure acknowledged the magnitude of the youth unemployment crisis and the challenges it poses for the government. While aiming to generate 50,000 employment opportunities for young people annually, he expressed the limitations imposed by resource constraints. Despite the ambitious objectives set for the national employment agency, Minister Toure highlighted the need for sustained efforts and collaboration to address the multifaceted nature of the youth unemployment challenge in Cote d'Ivoire. In conclusion, Minister Sidi Toure's advocacy for entrepreneurship as a solution to youth unemployment not only reflects the government's commitment to empowering young people but also underscores the critical role of innovation and self-reliance in driving economic progress. As Cote d'Ivoire continues to prioritize youth engagement and entrepreneurship development, the path to sustainable growth and prosperity for the African continent becomes increasingly tangible.