Uganda Launches Africa Youth Employment Clock to Tackle Youth Job Crisis

Projections from the World Data Lab indicate that between 2023 and 2030, the continent will see an increase of almost 100 million youth, placing even greater strain on economies and job markets.

Africa is on the cusp of a significant demographic shift, with its youth population expected to experience unprecedented growth over the next decade.

Projections from the World Data Lab indicate that between 2023 and 2030, the continent will see an increase of almost 100 million youth, placing even greater strain on economies and job markets.

Uganda, with one of the highest youth populations in Africa, is no exception. As of 2023, the country’s youth unemployment rate stands at 4.5%, with young people between the ages of 15 and 24 making up the largest portion of the population.

In response to this growing challenge, Uganda has launched the Africa Youth Employment Clock, a new initiative aimed at addressing the youth employment crisis and promoting dignified job opportunities.

The launch of this tool marks a pivotal moment in the country's efforts to foster meaningful and sustainable employment for its young population.

Adrian Bukenya, Uganda Country Director at the Mastercard Foundation, spoke at the event, highlighting the significance of the Africa Youth Employment Clock.

He stated, “The launch of the Africa Youth Employment Clock in Uganda marks a critical step towards addressing the urgent employment needs of our youth. With one of Africa’s fastest-growing youth populations, Uganda requires actionable, real-time data to inform decisions on creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities.

"This tool will also empower leaders, businesses, and young Ugandans themselves to shape a future of meaningful employment.”

Developed by the World Data Lab in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Africa Youth Employment Clock is a digital platform that offers real-time, country-specific data on youth employment across all 54 African nations.

The platform aims to provide policymakers and organizations with essential insights to guide decisions on creating quality jobs and improving economic conditions for young people.

In the future, Uganda plans to expand the platform’s capabilities to include more detailed sub-national data.

The tool offers projections on youth employment trends through 2030, allowing stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions about addressing the growing need for quality job creation.

Wolfgang Fengler, CEO and Co-Founder of World Data Lab, emphasized the importance of this data, noting, "Despite stable employment rates, Uganda faces challenges with a significant portion of the youth workforce in low-paying jobs that limit economic growth and development.

"At World Data Lab, we are dedicated to providing real-time data that supports policymakers in creating sustainable and dignified employment opportunities."

The World Data Lab, known for its innovative datasets that track global progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has partnered with major international organizations to bring the Africa Youth Employment Clock to life.

The platform is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that governments, organizations, and the public have easy access to vital information on youth employment.

The launch of the Africa Youth Employment Clock in Uganda is viewed as a transformative step that could help shape a more prosperous and sustainable future for Uganda’s youth, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

By providing real-time data and empowering decision-makers, the platform aims to accelerate efforts to address youth unemployment and ensure a brighter future for young people in Uganda and across Africa.