Productivity, Investment in Human Capital and theChallenge of Youth Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa

Prof. Michele Tiraboschi University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

ADAPT Association for International and Comparative Studies in Labour Law and Industrial Relationsand

Machilu ZimbaPhD student at ADAPT- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

ADAPT: Association for International and Comparative Studies in Labour Law and

Industrial Relations

African youth in the global context; challenges faced by African youth for

decent and productive work; the school-to-work transition through the

lenses of labour law and Industrial relations; the importance of accurate, reliable and

timely labour market information in sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Issues

Despite labour law reforms in support of decent work in Southern Africa, the creation of employment opportunities for youth continues to be a challenge, with labour markets unable to absorb new entrants.

African youth remain at risk of unemployment, underemployment, and difficulty in transitioning from education and training to the labour market.

The Employment of African Youth in the Global Context

The Employment of African Youth in the Global Context

In OECD countries youth are staying in education and training for longer periods.

SSA boasts a large youth workforce, coupled by the continued presence of child labour in some countries.

32,8% of the children working in the world are in SSA, that is 84,2 million children who should be education.

Global interdependency calls for a global perspective on the challenge of youth employment.

The Employment of African Youth in the Global Context

In general African labour markets are characterised by large informal sectors and a large youthful working force.

There are three broad levels of the development of IR in southern Africa:

1. Highly developed IR institutions and processes;

2. Countries with a long history of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining and relative political stability;

3. Countries with old, underdeveloped IR systems.

Industrial Relations Systems in SSA

The development of industrial relations and labour legislation has been inadequate in providing employment opportunities for young people.

Industrial Relations Systems in SSA

The traditional regulatory approach to labour and Active Labour Market Policies (ALMP) directed at youth unemployment have not had any significant impact on the levels of youth unemployment across the globe.

Labour legislation reform needs to take into consideration the links between education and training and the world of work.

Labour law, Industrial Relations and the School-to-Work Transition

Policies should cover the period prior to entry in the labour market, during education and training.

We can promote employability by means of networks whether formal or informal between stakeholders in the labour market.

Labour law, Industrial Relations and the School-to-Work Transition

“Any information concerning the size and composition of the labour market or any part of the labour market, the way it or any part of it functions, its problems, the opportunities which may be available to it, and the employment related intentions or aspirations of those who are part of it.”

Labour market information in SSA remains segmented, infrequent, outdated and limited.

The Importance of Labour Market Information

With improved internet connectivity and telecommunications, more areas in Africa are becoming part of the “connected” world, whether via cellular technology or internet access in government centres.

African countries can create networks with each other, and the rest of the world increasing the opportunities for a number of unemployed youth to find meaningful and decent work.

Current uses of labour market information in SSA should include more dissemination methods.

The Importance of Labour Market Information

Labour law and industrial relations systems need to develop taking into consideration new opportunities and challenges labour markets are faced with.

SSA can capitalise on the large source of human capital they have through education and training reform involving key stakeholders in the labour market.

The dissemination of accurate labour market information through labour market observatories in SSA can assist in smoothening the transition between school and work for young people.

Concluding Remarks