Africa’s youthful population key to economic growth, says Ezekwesili

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has emphasized that Africa’s youthful population can be a game-changer for the continent’s economic growth if harnessed effectively.

Speaking at the 20th-anniversary public lecture of Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, Ezekwesili noted that with over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent has a unique opportunity to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic expansion.

She stressed that transforming education, fostering entrepreneurship, scaling industrialization, and embracing digital jobs are critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.

Ezekwesili warned that neglecting this demographic could lead to mass unemployment, economic stagnation, and social unrest. She cited World Bank statistics showing that 10 to 12 million young Africans enter the labor market each year, yet only about 3 million formal jobs are created, leaving millions underemployed or struggling in the informal economy.

The former World Bank Vice President for Africa also highlighted the importance of preparing young people for the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of work.

“AI and automation are reshaping labor markets worldwide. Africa must invest in training its youth in AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and robotics to ensure they remain competitive in the global digital economy.

“Governments should create policies that support remote work, freelancing, and digital entrepreneurship, giving youth access to global employment opportunities,” she said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, noted that the theme of the lecture was both timely and relevant, describing it as a call to action rather than just an intellectual discourse.