Over the past decade and a half, the African sub-regional countries have been exposed to multifaceted challenges, including civil war and unrest, which have produced widespread economic and social disarray and insecurity.
As long as sustainable solutions for these challenges are not found, peace and security remain fragile, as the latest events in the Sahel have shown. The sub-region has one of the world’s youngest populations: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) states that nearly three out of four people are under the age of 30 and youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues affecting Youth-led business start-ups.
In addition to this summary, WADR’s Francis Boniface has a report about the condition of youth-led entrepreneurships in the region and some proactive measures needed to address the situation.