Gen Z to transform economies in Africa and Asia
With 1.8 billion young people globally on the brink of adulthood, it is more critical than ever to equip youth with the right skills and opportunities to create a better, more equitable world.
Recently, Kenya has experienced massive protests led by Generation Z against the current regime. This rebellion, organised through contemporary youth communication, engagement, and social media, is not linked to any specific tribe, class or religion and lacks a clear individual leader. Gen Z in Kenya is demanding quality education, employment opportunities, technological advancement, social and political engagement, health and wellbeing, cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and financial inclusion.
The Gen Z uprising in Kenya is part of a larger story about African youth. By 2050, young people will make up 20% of the continent’s projected total population and 40% of its total labour force. This is a huge demographic asset, but it can only be realised if massive educational, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities are cultivated—and fast. Failing to act could lead to a demographic nightmare - a recipe for mass unrest, insecurity, and instability.
But this challenge extends beyond Africa, with approximately 1.8 billion young people globally on the brink of adulthood, many of whom lack the essential skills to earn a decent living. By equipping them with the right skills and opportunities, they can and should be at the forefront of creating a better, more equitable world.
In Africa and Asia, SNV contributes to unlocking youth employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in our three sectors of intervention: Agri-Food, Energy and Water. SNV's Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (YEE) strategy takes a market systems approach and includes three components: (i) facilitating access to markets and assets for young entrepreneurs, (ii) growing entrepreneurial skills and agency among young people, and (iv) matching skilled young individuals with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities from private companies or stakeholders.
We have worked in over 10 countries, mainly in Africa, and since 2014, over 500,000 young women and men have gained entrepreneurial and employment opportunities through our initiatives. We focus on innovative approaches such as scaling and operationalizing digital tools, innovative finance, and creating green entrepreneurship opportunities. As this year’s International Youth Day theme highlights the importance of digitalisation for sustainable development, we reiterate our commitment to empowering youth through digital innovation as a key pillar for promoting economic growth and environmental stewardship. We work closely with national partners, but also collaborate globally with organisations like Generation Unlimited.
The time to act is now. We need coalitions of change from the private sector, governments, CSOs, NGOs, but moreover to engage youth in transformational actions, investments, and policy changes. SNV and its partners are ready to contribute and use their expertise in these coalitions of change.
By André de Jager - SNV Director Technical Expertise