Africa is the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent. Every year, between 10 and 12 million young people enter the workforce; however, far fewer jobs are created and skill mismatches means job-ready youth do not always have the expertise required for the modern workforce.
Mauritania is a microcosm of this wider challenge. More than 60% of the population is under 25 years old, yet they are twice as likely to be unemployed than adults (42% compared to 21%), according to 2017 figures from the National Bureau of Statistics. At the same time, the country’s youthful population is one of its major assets – so long as certain conditions, including education, jobs, and social services are provided.