Protests in Bangladesh have recently gained momentum, starting as a student movement driven by dissatisfaction over a quota system for government job allocations. The system reserved 30% of jobs for independence war veterans and their relatives, making these positions highly sought after. However, the issue of youth unemployment in Bangladesh is a pressing concern, with rates three times higher than the national average. A survey from 2013 revealed that around a fifth of students aspire to work in the public sector, highlighting the intense competition for these coveted positions.
The situation in Bangladesh reflects a broader trend seen in many low-income countries, where young people struggle to find decent employment opportunities. In these regions, only one-in-five individuals aged between 25 and 29 have secure jobs that last longer than a year, with a paying employer and a contract. Many young people resort to piecing together various activities to make a living, migrating for work, taking on debt, or engaging in poorly paid and sometimes hazardous jobs. Some even turn to gambling in hopes of generating income.
The challenge of youth unemployment is exacerbated by the fact that many lower-income countries have large and growing youth populations, while valuable sources of employment have been lost due to economic reforms imposed in the 1980s and 1990s. These reforms, which included liberalizing trade, reducing government spending, and introducing employment flexibility, have led to job losses and layoffs, particularly in the public sector.
Informal employment is prevalent globally, with more than half of all workers falling into this category in 2024. Young workers are disproportionately affected by informality, facing higher levels compared to older counterparts. Despite improvements in educational attainment, young people in lower-income countries often struggle to enter the labor market, leading many to seek opportunities abroad.
The current exodus of young Nigerians underscores the challenges faced by young people in finding meaningful employment. In 2019, over a quarter of young Nigerians were classified as „not in education, employment, or training“ (Neet), prompting a significant increase in passport issuance and renewal. Women, in particular, face additional barriers in their search for decent work due to social norms and stereotypes.
Efforts to address youth unemployment in low-income countries often focus on providing education and training opportunities. However, the key to tackling this issue lies in boosting labor market demand and creating better quality jobs. Initiatives such as the African Union and International Labour Organization’s youth employment strategy for Africa aim to create jobs in key industries like green, care, and digital sectors.
Entrepreneurship is also seen as a vital avenue for job creation in low-income countries, with small- and medium-sized enterprises accounting for a significant portion of global employment. However, entrepreneurship comes with high rates of failure, underscoring the need for caution in promoting this avenue as a solution to youth unemployment.
The recent protests in Bangladesh highlight the potential for young people to drive societal change and advocate for better job opportunities. Empowering and engaging young people is crucial in finding solutions to the pervasive challenge of youth underemployment. Ultimately, a transition to economies rich in job opportunities for young people can not only address youth unemployment but also contribute to tackling broader issues like climate change and the care crisis, laying a strong foundation for a sustainable future.