Zimbabwe and Ghana launch initiatives to combat youth unemployment

African nations are implementing new initiatives to combat youth unemployment and stimulate economic growth.

In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation has launched the ‘National Youth Empowerment and Innovation Initiative’. Endorsed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the program aims to provide skills training, mentorship, and seed funding for startups in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and renewable energy. A phased rollout of registration and training is expected to begin between August and September 2026.

In Ghana, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) plans to launch a domestic care economy programme next year. Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment George Opare-Addo stated the initiative is expected to create nearly 100,000 jobs for young people. The government intends for these interventions to provide sustainable, decent employment rather than temporary roles, addressing the pressures of a growing youth population.