Youth and Unemployment: Our Present Problem and a Missed Opportunity

Tshepo, a young South African, has faced huge life challenges in the last four years as he has struggled to focus on his studies amid numerous student protests against the hiking of university fees. Despite these challenges, he was determined to complete his undergraduate degree, which he did at the end of 2020. The story of Tshepo and the evidence found in our current research highlight how Africa's young people confront high rates of unemployment. Bohlmann et al argue that unless governments and society take steps to curb the scourge of youth unemployment, social unrest and an exodus of youth out of the continent are likely. They pose a few questions that take them away from the usual questions asked and researched when it comes to youth unemployment. These questions and others can set a new agenda for studies on youth unemployment in Africa.