A widening gap between job opportunities and workforce readiness is emerging across developing countries, with Africa at the centre of the challenge, according to Mr Paschal Donohoe of the World Bank Group.
Speaking in Accra on the theme “Building Skills, Creating Jobs, and Empowering Africa’s Future,” Mr Donohoe warned that while millions of young people are entering the labour market each year, many lack the skills required to secure sustainable employment.
He revealed that about 1.2 billion young people are expected to join the workforce in developing countries over the next decade, yet current systems are not adequately preparing them for modern economies shaped by technology, automation, and the green transition.
Africa, he noted, faces a particularly urgent situation, with only about three million formal jobs created annually compared to 10 to 12 million young people entering the labour force each year. This imbalance, he said, highlights the scale of the employment challenge facing the continent.
Mr Donohoe explained that the issue goes beyond job creation, stressing the need to improve productivity and incomes, especially in sectors such as agriculture and small enterprises where many young people find work.
Despite being one of the most educated generations in Africa’s history, many young people struggle due to a mismatch between academic training and industry needs, limited practical experience, and insufficient focus on critical skills.
He urged young people to broaden their outlook beyond traditional employment pathways and explore opportunities in emerging sectors such as digital services, agribusiness, and green energy. He also emphasised the importance of developing transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and adaptability.
Mr Donohoe called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry to ensure training aligns with labour market demands, while reaffirming the World Bank’s commitment to supporting countries like Ghana in building human capital through education and skills development initiatives.
While acknowledging the challenges, he expressed optimism about Africa’s future, noting that the continent’s growth would ultimately be driven by the innovation, resilience, and ambition of its youth.
