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Wanted: jobs for Africa’s youth - ‘Bad policy’

Written by: Africa Renewal

Article Overview: Since the mid-1990s, economic performance has improved significantly in many African countries, with average annual growth in gross domestic product (GDP) rising steadily from less than 3 per cent in 1998 to 5 per cent in 2005. In theory, according to many economists, this should have led to higher employment.

Wanted: jobs for Africa’s youth - ‘Bad policy’

From Africa Renewal, Vol.20 #3 (October 2006), page 6

By Gumisai Mutume

Since the mid-1990s, economic performance has improved significantly in many African countries, with average annual growth in gross domestic product (GDP) rising steadily from less than 3 per cent in 1998 to 5 per cent in 2005. In theory, according to many economists, this should have led to higher employment.

However, notes Ms. Okonjo-Iweala, the former Nigerian finance minister, “In most of our countries, economic growth is not resulting in significant job creation and therefore in poverty reduction.”

This lack of job opportunities contributes to many social problems. Without alternatives, many young women and girls are forced into sex work. Studies show that young jobless people living on the street are more likely than their employed counterparts to abuse illicit substances or join armed groups.

“Jobless growth isn’t just bad social policy, it is bad economics,” says ILO Director-General Juan Somavia. “It results in less consumption, more migration, more child labour and lower aggregate demand.” Those maladies in turn lead to reduced investments, less funding for pensions, lower tax revenue and other resources for social policies, and ultimately more poverty.

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Article Tags: African countries, economic growth, gross domestic product, Gumisai Mutume, mid 1990s economic performance, poverty reduction



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