27% of young Africans put jobs above all else

Quality jobs should be prioritised
Young Africans are feeling more hopeful about the future, but a new survey shows that creating decent jobs remains the single biggest challenge facing the continent's next generation.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 2 Days Ago

More young Africans believe their countries are moving in the right direction, but employment remains their biggest concern, according to the African Youth Survey 2026.

Commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation and conducted by PSB Insights, the survey gathered the views of 4 901 people aged 18 to 24 across 16 African countries.

The findings show that 47% of respondents believe their countries are heading in the right direction, while 45% said their national economies are improving. Confidence in Africa's overall trajectory has also strengthened, with 43% saying the continent is making positive progress.

Despite the growing optimism, rising living costs and limited employment opportunities continue to shape the experiences of many young people. Job creation emerged as the top priority, with 27% of respondents calling for more well-paying jobs, while 25% said stronger action was needed to tackle corruption.

The findings resonate in Namibia, where unemployment remains a major challenge. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency's 2023 Labour Force Survey, the country's strict unemployment rate stands at 36.9%, while youth unemployment is 44.4%.


Targeted measures needed

Member of Parliament and committee chairperson Non Katjingisiua said the figures underline the urgent need for targeted measures to tackle youth unemployment.

"The current unemployment crisis in Namibia, particularly among young people, has been a growing concern for many years. These figures paint a worrying picture and highlight the urgent need for targeted programmes, strategies and interventions aimed at stimulating job creation," he said.

Katjingisiua said unemployment affects young people across all levels of education and stressed the importance of investing in education, economic growth and employment opportunities.

For many young Namibians, securing a job is about more than earning a living – it is also about contributing to the country's development.

"It's encouraging to see that young people are feeling more positive about the future, but for me it all comes down to jobs. Many graduates are still sitting at home, so it's hard to stay hopeful if you don't have an opportunity to start your career," said Anosensiu Ngenehafo.

The survey also found that 73% of respondents continue to support democracy, although many believe governments should do more to include young people in decision-making. More than four in five respondents expect young people to play a greater role in politics over the next five years.


Creating spaces

"I think our generation has so many ideas and the willingness to work. We just need leaders to create spaces where young people can actually grow, whether that's through employment, internships or support for small businesses," said Ernies Queen.

Evelyn Liberty said meaningful engagement with young people is essential if governments want to build confidence in the future.

"Young people want to be part of the conversation. We don't expect everything to change overnight, but we do want to know that our voices are being heard," she said.

While the survey points to growing optimism among Africa's youth, it also highlights a clear message: for many young people, meaningful employment remains the key to a more secure future.