Promoting employment for young people in rural areas

Context

In Africa, 25 million young people enter the labour market every year. However, unemployment among women and young people is above average.

The majority of Africans live in rural regions, where agriculture is the most important source of income. To feed its growing population, Africa needs to double agricultural production by 2050. This requires innovation and modern methods, which offer potential for income and jobs. Young people have a key role to play in modernising the agricultural sector.

Objective

There are better training and employment prospects in rural areas, particularly for young people.

Approach

The project supports the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in promoting training and employment in Kenya, Burkina Faso, Malawi and Mozambique. The integrated approach covers three areas:

1. Labour supply: The project provides support in developing market-oriented agricultural and business training for young people, to enable them to find employment.
2. Labour demand: It advises small companies and business founders on how to continue developing their business models and create jobs. Large companies integrate young people into their supply chains.
3. Job placement: The project organises job fairs, internships and digital platforms, for example, to bring employers and workers together.

It provides support to young women and rural youth organisations, in particular. It also encourages dialogue between the participating countries, for instance on best practices.

With financial resources from Norway, the project is implementing the Gender Makes Business Sense business training in Malawi, which aims to transform gender roles.

The project also supports BMZ by providing policy advice, developing strategies, and facilitating national and international dialogue on this subject.

Last update: Mai 2025