AfDB Taps Nigeria’s Experience to Shape Africa’s Youth Employment Future

Abdul Danbature, President of Arewa Youth, stressed that talent exists throughout northern Nigeria, although opportunities remain heavily concentrated in larger cities.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has turned to Nigeria as one of five key countries helping shape its upcoming Youth, Skills and Jobs Action Plan for Africa (2027–2033). During a four-day consultation held in Abuja in April, government officials, educators, development partners, youth organizations and civil society groups examined the challenges facing young Nigerians and explored practical solutions that could be applied across the continent.

Nigeria's role in the process carries particular weight. With a population of more than 220 million people and nearly seven out of every ten citizens under the age of 30, the country reflects both the opportunities and pressures created by Africa's rapidly growing youth population.

Skills Gap and Migration Raise Concerns

Participants highlighted a growing disconnect between education and employment. Nigeria now has more than 300 universities and tertiary institutions, producing hundreds of thousands of graduates every year. Many young people, however, continue to struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. Stakeholders pointed to outdated academic curricula and limited opportunities for workplace training as major reasons behind the mismatch between skills and labour market needs. These challenges have contributed to the rise of the "Japa" trend, a term widely used in Nigeria to describe the increasing number of skilled young people leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

Discussions also focused on the relationship between unemployment and insecurity. Participants described a cycle in which limited economic opportunities fuel instability, while insecurity discourages the investment needed to generate new jobs and businesses.

Homegrown Solutions Gain Attention

Several speakers called for stronger efforts to reach young people living outside major urban centres. Abdul Danbature, President of Arewa Youth, stressed that talent exists throughout northern Nigeria, although opportunities remain heavily concentrated in larger cities.

Stakeholders also encouraged the Bank to embrace successful local models alongside formal programmes. Particular attention was given to the Igbo apprenticeship system, often referred to as the "Nwa Boy" economy. The long-standing model allows young people to learn practical business skills under experienced entrepreneurs before receiving support to establish their own enterprises. Many participants described it as one of Nigeria's most successful grassroots pathways to entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

The consultation further examined ways to improve coordination among development partners and government agencies. Participants proposed a consortium approach that would align the activities of organizations such as the European Union, World Bank and GIZ with national and state development priorities.

Speaking at the close of the event, African Development Bank Director General for Nigeria Dr. Abdul Kamara emphasized the importance of creating an environment where young people can access finance, participate in the digital economy and build sustainable livelihoods. Insights gathered during the Abuja consultation will help shape the final continental strategy, which is scheduled to launch in 2027 and aims to turn Africa's youthful population into a powerful driver of long-term economic growth.