Ghana’s Labour Minister has called for increased investment and strategic partnerships to transform Africa’s young population into drivers of economic growth.
Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo highlighted the continent’s demographic advantage while addressing persistent skills mismatches.
Speaking at a human capital development conference in India, Pelpuo emphasized that Africa’s youth represent both opportunity and challenge for policymakers. Nearly 40% of the continent’s population falls between ages 15 and 35, creating enormous potential for innovation and productivity.
However, job creation lags far behind demographic trends. Africa generates only 3.7 million jobs annually while 11 million young people enter the workforce, creating a substantial employment gap that threatens social stability.
“This imbalance between demand and supply threatens the aspirations of African youth,” Pelpuo warned. The minister stressed that converting demographic advantage into economic progress requires systematic education and skills development.
Ghana has prioritized technical and vocational training to address skills shortages in key industries. The government’s One Million Coders Programme aims to prepare young people for digital economy opportunities while emphasizing critical thinking and leadership capabilities.
Entrepreneurship support includes the National Apprenticeship Programme and Youth Employment Programme, providing funding and mentorship for small business development. These initiatives create sustainable employment while generating community economic benefits.
International partnerships prove essential for scaling human capital investments. Ghana benefits from India’s ICT Centers of Excellence, particularly in agriculture and vocational training sectors. Pelpuo sees potential for expanding cooperation in digital skills and renewable energy.
Brain drain continues undermining Africa’s development prospects, especially in healthcare where trained professionals migrate to higher-paying markets. This creates shortages in critical sectors while representing lost investment in education and training.
Global skills mismatches compound the challenge, with 54% of employers unable to find qualified workers despite high unemployment rates. Additionally, 22% of workers remain underutilized in their current positions, indicating inefficient labor market allocation.
The minister urged African policymakers to address these structural problems through reformed education systems and improved job matching mechanisms. Without urgent action, demographic dividends could transform into social burdens as unemployed youth create instability.
Pelpuo emphasized that Africa’s global competitiveness depends on policy choices made today regarding education, skills training and job creation. The continent must act decisively to harness its youth population before demographic windows close.
International cooperation remains vital for financing large-scale human capital programs while transferring technical expertise and best practices across borders.
Source: newsghana.com.gh
