By: Ireen Twongirwe
Worth Noting:
- Notably, in regards to unemployment, we see that there are more unemployed females than males. While 54% males were employed in 2016/2017, only 41% females were employed.
- In addition, the government of Uganda need to invest in green economic alternatives that is estimated to provide 4 million jobs.
- Having a young population brings many opportunities for economic growth and innovation, if these opportunities can be recognized and utilized.
- As we celebrate the African youth day, there is need to engage youth, create a space for them and give them a seat at the table, not just offer the seat passively, but empower young people to actually discover their potential. Young people have potential and young people have collective power, with the guidance of the government they can use that power to improve on the country economic growth.
On November 1, 2022, the African Union marked Africa Youth Day. I would like to thank the African Union for setting a side to celebrate youth on the continent. Youth constitute the majority population in Africa and can contribute to the continent’s sustainable growth.
Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 35. Such a high number of young people is an opportunity for the continent’s growth – but only if these new generations are fully empowered to realize their best potential. It is especially important that young people are included in decision making and given appropriate opportunities for work and to innovate.
However, youth and especially women are faced with various challenges including lack of access to adequate education, school drop-outs , early marriages , teenage pregnancies and unemployment among others. Information from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics shows that as at 2016/2017, 40.7% youth aged 18 to 35 years were neither employed, in school nor under training. Many of these youth were unemployed. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that many more youth slid into unemployment.
Notably, in regards to unemployment, we see that there are more unemployed females than males. While 54% males were employed in 2016/2017, only 41% females were employed.
In addition, the government of Uganda need to invest in green economic alternatives that is estimated to provide 4 million jobs.
Having a young population brings many opportunities for economic growth and innovation, if these opportunities can be recognized and utilized.
As we celebrate the African youth day, there is need to engage youth, create a space for them and give them a seat at the table, not just offer the seat passively, but empower young people to actually discover their potential. Young people have potential and young people have collective power, with the guidance of the government they can use that power to improve on the country economic growth.
More so, in many countries outside of Africa, countries with ageing populations are facing high healthcare costs and a shortage of skilled labor. In Africa, young people face underemployment and lack of opportunities without access to the internet, the lack of information about any opportunities.
It’s important to note that young people are contributing daily to the benefit of their communities and nations across Africa. From providing support to the elderly, to advocating for justice and equality, young people have proven their centrality to building and sustaining healthy communities once given a plat form to explore their potential.
In addition, the Ugandan government has a good plan called the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy through which it recognises that investment in the green economic sectors of agriculture, clean energy, forestry and tourism among others can create nearly 4 million jobs while helping government to take climate action. However most of the youth lack information on such opportunities.
On Africa Youth Day, I join fellow youth therefore to call on the Ugandan government to invest in sustainable green economic activities to promote youth including female youth employment. Government should also address the barriers undermining women participation in employment.
We believe that green economic alternatives can increase employment to youth especially females and vulnerable women.
For God and my Country,
Ireen Twongirwe
Executive Director,
Women for Green Economy Movement Uganda.
Mt Kenya Times 
Aoma Keziah