Impact

DISH International has prepared a case study highlighting the youth unemployment problems in Nigeria to demonstrate the real challenges that need urgent attention.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, as of 2018 Nigeria had a population of 198 million. It is estimated that more than one-third of the population is made up of young people*. A population made up of mostly young individuals is good news in terms of the country’s future economic growth, however in 2018 unemployment among young people was estimated to be around 36.5%. This statistic is not good news. More must be done to ensure that the unemployment rate for this demographic does not rise.

Trends in youth employment is mostly seen in rural areas due to the seasonality of work and the dual use of farms for both commercial and subsistence needs. This is not to say that there is not a youth unemployment problem in the cities, where the general lack of adequate qualification and skills create further barriers to accessing formal employment. Concurrently, there are just not enough vibrant industries capable of absorbing the growing number of graduates. Over the years, schemes designed to create employment like apprenticeships and internships have received little investment or attention despite their proven effectiveness. As a consequence, all over the country youth unemployment is rising.

*defined as individuals between 15 – 34 years of age

DISH International aims to create a platform that equips young people with skills that will increase their employability. At the same time, we hope to inspire and encourage the youth to create businesses that, not only gives them income security, but generates more jobs that will ultimately transform their communities.

It is expected that the agricultural sector and small non-agricultural household enterprises in both rural and urban areas will account for the majority of new jobs in the future. DISH International would like to encourage young people to realise their potential by becoming innovative and entrepreneurial. We believe these young entrepreneurs should be enabled and equipped to tap into the limitless opportunities contained in all sectors, as well as spurred on to redevelop existing established industries.