Now on YEASA Introduction

Africa is experiencing rapid social and economic growth with many economies growing by more than 6 per cent a year. Further while educational services have expanded the link between the quality of education offered and skills required for existing employment opportunities has been tenuous. As a result, a paradox exists in which there is a large number of graduates in the midst of unfilled vacancies and business opportunities in small-and medium-scale enterprises. Indeed it is estimated that the formal sectors are unable to absorb about 10 to 12 million graduates annually which has led to a large number of rural unemployed but educated youth. In response, many youths migrate to urban centres in search of employment but end up in the informal sector. This project therefore seeks to engage selected youth on a pilot basis to effectively transit from school to decent jobs by putting education to use where support will be provided to build skills for the youth in order to enhance their employment opportunities and draw lessons for scaling up. The project is premised on the scenario that young entrepreneurs would create their own businesses, employ others, gain experience, acquire marketable skills, and contribute to social cohesion of local communities.