Empowering Youth Employment in the Land Sector: A Career Talk with Tanzanian Students

Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with youth defined by the African Union’s Youth Charter as individuals aged between 15 and 35. The continent’s youth demographic is rapidly growing, with young people aged 15 to 29 accounting for over 40% of the adult population in 2019. Each year, more than 10 million young Africans enter the workforce, yet only 3.7 million jobs are created annually. This mismatch underscores the urgent need to empower youth, women, and vulnerable groups to secure a sustainable and prosperous future.

Despite this, 60% of Africa’s youth remain unemployed. Universities struggle to equip graduates with the skills industries require, resulting in a gap between education and employability. To address this, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) prioritizes strengthening human and institutional capacities to advance the African Union’s Agenda on Land. Partnering with universities across the continent, NELGA has focused on bridging the gap between youth employment and land-related education. This effort aims to ensure graduates from NELGA universities can secure suitable employment in public and private sectors, NGOs, and international organizations.

The Career Talk: Insights for Land Graduates

In a bid to tackle youth unemployment and improve land-sector employability, a career talk was organized in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This event brought together students and job seekers, offering valuable advice from Dr. Tchigankong Désiré and sparking discussions on actionable recommendations for universities and decision-makers.

Key Takeaways for Students and Graduates:

• Develop Digital Skills: As the job market increasingly moves online, graduates must master digital platforms to access opportunities and sustain their careers.
• Strengthen Soft Skills: Employers value attributes such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Students should actively seek mentorship, participate in projects, take online courses, expand their networks, and refine these crucial skills.

Recommendations for Universities:

1. Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration: Fostering partnerships with industries can bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.
2. Enhance Practical Exposure: Universities should make annual field placements mandatory, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in the land sector.
3. Conduct Tracer Studies: Establishing systems to track graduates’ career paths can provide valuable insights into employment trends and gaps.
4. Revamp Curricula: Transitioning from knowledge-based education to capacity- and skill-based training will better prepare students for the job market.

Toward a Brighter Future for African Youth

This career talk exemplifies NELGA’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Africa’s youth. By fostering dialogue, equipping students with essential skills, and driving institutional change, NELGA is paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic land sector. Empowering young land professionals is not just about securing jobs—it is about building a generation capable of shaping Africa’s future.

With sustained efforts and collaboration between universities, industries, and organizations, Africa can transform its vast youth potential into a powerful force for economic growth and sustainable development.