WASHINGTON, D.C., United States of America, October 14, 2025 — The African Development Bank (AfDB) is accelerating its youth employment agenda as President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah joined global policymakers and business leaders at the World Bank Group’s High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs, held on the sidelines of the 2025 World Bank Group and IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Invited by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Dr. Ould Tah’s participation underscores the Bank’s unwavering commitment to transforming Africa’s demographic boom into a dynamic economic powerhouse.
The African Development Bank youth employment strategy forms a cornerstone of this vision, focusing on creating sustainable, inclusive jobs that empower young Africans to lead the continent’s industrial and technological transformation.
Transforming Africa’s Youth into Engines of Growth
“As Africa’s population continues to expand, its youth are not a burden to manage; they are the engine of our continent’s future,” said Dr. Ould Tah, addressing the Council.
“We need to invest in the right skills, formalize the informal economy, and back micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at scale. Only then can we unlock Africa’s full potential.”
This year’s Jobs Council meeting emphasized tourism and skilling—two sectors central to the African Development Bank youth employment agenda.
Tourism already supports one in 20 jobs across the continent, with strong participation by women and youth.
Yet, more than 80% of these workers operate within the informal sector, lacking social protection, access to finance, and clear career pathways.
Meanwhile, the persistent mismatch between Africa’s education systems and market demands continues to limit young people’s access to meaningful, productive work.
Recognizing this gap, the African Development Bank Group has expanded its Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy, mobilizing over $105 billion in financing and expected to create 19 million jobs by the end of 2025.
African Development Bank Youth Employment Strategy: Progress and Innovation
Under Dr. Ould Tah’s leadership, the Bank has intensified programs that link innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability.
The Youth, Skills and Jobs Marker System, one of the Bank’s latest initiatives, tracks job quality, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability across Bank-financed projects.
These efforts are complemented by targeted support for tourism-driven MSME ecosystems and the expansion of digital-first skilling programs designed to prepare Africa’s youth for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, fintech, and creative industries.
The Bank’s focus extends to strengthening private sector linkages—helping startups and local enterprises integrate into regional and global value chains.
“We cannot achieve sustainable growth without empowering young Africans as job creators, not just job seekers,” Dr. Ould Tah emphasized.
Global Partnerships to Advance Youth Employment
The African Development Bank youth employment vision aligns with the institution’s broader Four Cardinal Points strategic framework—mobilizing capital at scale, unifying markets, industrializing locally, and investing in talent and technology.
Through partnerships with governments, development agencies, and the private sector, the Bank continues to support policies and investments that enable youth-led entrepreneurship, improve vocational training, and expand access to finance.
During the Annual Meetings, Dr. Ould Tah held several bilateral discussions with ministers, global development partners, and corporate leaders.
These engagements reinforced the need for public-private collaboration to drive job creation in Africa’s key growth sectors, including agriculture, energy, digital technology, and sustainable tourism.
A Call to Action for Africa’s Future
Experts agree that youth employment is not only an economic imperative but also a cornerstone of social stability and peace across the continent.
By equipping Africa’s youth with relevant skills, market opportunities, and financial access, the African Development Bank Group is helping to shape a resilient, self-reliant Africa.
“The youth of Africa represent a vast pool of creativity and ambition,” said Dr. Ould Tah.
“Our collective challenge—and opportunity—is to ensure they have the tools, skills, and platforms to thrive. The future of Africa’s growth will be written by its youth.”
The African Development Bank youth employment agenda continues to lead continental efforts to transform Africa’s demographic potential into sustained prosperity, positioning the continent as a global hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and human capital excellence.
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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact:
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African Development Bank Group
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About the African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).
With operations in 41 African countries and an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic and social progress of its 54 regional member states.
🔗 www.AfDB.org
SOURCE: African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
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