Notable Member Response | Topic: Youth Employment Challenges

Topic: Youth Employment Challenges

Notable Member ResponseBy Léandre N’Goma, UDA Member from Congo-Brazzaville

"Central Africa’s youth are skilled, driven, and full of ideas—but opportunities remain painfully limited. One of the biggest challenges we face is the mismatch between education and market demands. Young people graduate with degrees but little practical experience, and few businesses are willing to invest in training. I propose national internship quotas and incentives for businesses hiring fresh graduates. We must also stop ignoring the informal sector—youth are thriving there, yet policy support is lacking. Real employment solutions will emerge only when our governments see youth as engines of the economy, not burdens."