The World Data Lab (WDL), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has officially launched the African Youth Employment Clock in Ethiopia. This innovative tool is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of youth employment trends and challenges within the country, offering crucial insights that can guide strategic decision-making and foster impactful partnerships with African institutions.
The African Youth Employment Clock aims to address the pressing issues facing young people in Ethiopia by enabling stakeholders to allocate resources more effectively and design programs that meet the specific needs of the youth population. By highlighting the employment landscape in real-time, the tool serves as a vital resource for governments, NGOs, and private sector entities committed to improving job opportunities for young Ethiopians.
According to forecasts from the World Data Lab, Africa is set to experience unprecedented youth population growth this decade (2021-2030). The continent’s youth population is expected to increase by 100 million between 2023 and 2030, underscoring the urgent need for effective youth employment strategies.
The African Youth Employment Clock also includes the African Youth Employment Watch, a complementary tool that supports the journey towards more inclusive labor markets across the continent. This initiative provides data modeling and visualization, helping stakeholders better understand the dynamics of youth employment and design policies that promote economic inclusivity.
At the country level, the youth employment data provided by the clock is available for all 54 African nations. In Ethiopia, as well as in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda, sub-national data is also accessible, offering deeper insights into regional employment trends. Over time, this sub-national data will be expanded to include additional countries such as Nigeria and Uganda, where the Mastercard Foundation supports localized programs.
The hourly data analysis model utilized by the African Youth Employment Clock draws from surveys and datasets developed by national statistical offices and international sources. The WDL’s methodology ensures that the data is peer-reviewed, consistent, and comparable across all countries, providing a reliable basis for policy formulation and program development.
Wolfgang Fengler, CEO and Founder of the World Data Lab, highlighted the significance of the tool for Ethiopia. “Despite the high cost of employment, Ethiopia continues to grapple with poverty, with over 16 million people classified as middle-class or extremely poor. At the World Data Lab, our goal is to provide accurate data that helps policymakers create dignified work opportunities for everyone,” he said.
Fengler expressed optimism about the collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, noting, “We are excited about the potential of this tool to address the unique challenges faced by Ethiopian youth. By providing data-driven insights, we can help unlock opportunities for the next generation and contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.”
As Ethiopia continues to navigate its economic development, the African Youth Employment Clock offers a promising step forward in empowering young people and ensuring they have access to the opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market.
