The Data Lab, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the African Youth Employment Clock in Nigeria, to create 30 million jobs across Africa by 2030.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku announced the initiative on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that the clock aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on industrialization and job creation.
The African Youth Employment Clock will track youth job growth and predict employment trends through 2030. It aims to democratize data and inform decision-making in both public and private sectors.
“This is crucial for Nigeria,” Bagudu emphasized, “as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, it will help us face our realities, shed short-term plans, and foster an environment where our younger generation can thrive.
“The work being done by the Mastercard Foundation and World Data Lab will support our swift progress, complementing many policies already in place to ensure youth employment.”
Addressing concerns about foreign data agencies producing misleading figures for Africa, Bagudu stressed the importance of generating African-led data for more accurate and informed decisions.
Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, also highlighted the urgency of addressing Africa’s unemployment crisis.
“With 245 million young Africans currently unemployed, this number could rise to over 297 million by 2030 if decisive actions aren’t taken,” she warned. Onyejeocha detailed the Federal Government’s efforts to address the issue, including economic diversification, skill acquisition programs, support for SMEs, and fostering public-private partnerships.
“Credible data is the backbone of quality decision-making,” Onyejeocha continued, emphasizing that the clock will help policymakers identify gaps and target their interventions effectively.
Mrs. Rosy Fynn, Country Director of the Mastercard Foundation in Nigeria, pointed out that the clock will highlight key areas to focus efforts on.
“The 30 million jobs we aim to create will be fulfilling and dignified,” she said. Fynn stressed the importance of building skills, providing access to finance, and creating market opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Dr. Reshma Sheoraj, Vice President of Strategic Engagements at World Data Lab, explained that their data model is consistent, allowing for detailed tracking of job trends across Africa, including down to the sub-national level in Nigeria.
“Our mission is to provide decision-makers with the critical data they need to make real changes for Africa’s young workforce,” Sheoraj stated, adding that they collaborate with the National Bureau of Statistics, the International Labour Organisation, and other sources for their data.
The African Youth Employment Clock is poised to be a powerful tool in the fight against unemployment, offering real-time insights to drive effective policymaking and job creation efforts.
