Putting Young Africans to Work - Addressing Africa's youth unemployment crisis

Putting Young Africans to Work - Addressing Africa's youth unemployment crisis, which draws on a series of Dialogues held in May 2011 with the governments of Zambia, Mozambique and Swaziland, argues that youth unemployment will only worsen unless an environment is fostered in which labour is more productive and opportunities for innovation and growth are created - largely by government setting the right conditions and then getting out of the way. It is business, not government, that will put young Africans to work in sufficient numbers to turn the continent's population time bomb into a demographic boon.

Welcoming the new Brenthurst Discussion Paper, the following write:

"Aside from the resolve of government and the private sector, what is also essential to finding solutions to the youth unemployment dilemma in Zambia and across Africa is analysis and experience from outsiders who have succeeded in meeting this challenge in other countries. That is why I am pleased to give my full support and gratitude to the Brenthurst Foundation for the vital work they are doing on youth unemployment, the findings of which can be found in this most valuable publication." - Rupiah Bwezani Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia:

"[This publication] is an important step in the search for practical solutions to the youth unemployment challenge, not just in Mozambique but throughout Africa. Aires Bonifacio Baptista Ali" — Prime Minister of Mozambique

"We hope that this publication is studied widely and contributes to the enhancement of young people's lives, in Swaziland and elsewhere in Africa." — Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland

"I would like to call on all African governments, youth development practitioners and all sectors of our society to use key lessons from this publication to guide their youth development Programmes." — Collins Ohm Chabane, Minister in The Presidency, South Africa

"The Foundation made a significant contribution to Denmark's Africa Commission, and this publication is testament to our shared passion for and commitment to the young people of this continent." — Søren Pind, Minister for Development Cooperation, Denmark