The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 70% of its people under the age of 30. This demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity for economic transformation, innovation, and sustainable development. However, to fully harness this potential, strategic investments in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and employment must be prioritised.
Young people in the IGAD region are actively driving economic activities across key sectors, including agriculture, trade, technology, and the creative industries. They are shaping the future of the region through startups, digital innovations, and social enterprises, yet they continue to face challenges such as limited access to capital, high unemployment rates, and inadequate market opportunities. Despite these barriers, youth-led businesses and initiatives are increasingly becoming the backbone of the region’s economic transformation. From agri-tech startups improving food security to digital solutions boosting cross-border trade, young people are creating innovative solutions to regional challenges.
Recognising the immense contribution of youth to the economy, IGAD is implementing policies and programmes aimed at fostering an inclusive and enabling environment for young entrepreneurs and job seekers. Some of the key interventions include:
✅ The IGAD Youth Employment and Skills Development Programme – Addressing youth unemployment through vocational training, digital skills, and capacity-building initiatives.
✅ Entrepreneurship & Access to Finance – Promoting youth-led startups by facilitating access to microfinance, business mentorship, and incubation hubs.
✅ Regional Trade & Economic Integration – Enhancing young people’s participation in cross-border trade and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
✅ Agribusiness & Innovation – Supporting youth involvement in modern agriculture, climate-smart practices, and value chain development to ensure food security and economic resilience.
While IGAD’s youth are eager to contribute to economic growth, they face several structural barriers, including:
🔹 High Youth Unemployment: Many young people struggle to find formal jobs, leading to underemployment and reliance on informal work.
🔹 Limited Access to Finance: Lack of collateral and financial literacy prevents youth from accessing loans and investment capital.
🔹 Skills Mismatch: The gap between education systems and labour market demands results in a workforce that is not fully prepared for emerging job opportunities.
🔹 Policy Gaps & Market Barriers: Youth-led businesses often struggle with bureaucratic hurdles, high taxation, and market access challenges.
For the IGAD region to fully benefit from its youth demographic dividend, governments and development partners must:
📌 Prioritise youth employment policies that create sustainable jobs and decent work opportunities.
📌 Invest in technical and vocational education that aligns with market needs and emerging industries.
📌 Strengthen digital literacy and entrepreneurship to enable young people to thrive in the digital economy.
📌 Expand access to finance and markets for youth-led enterprises and startups.
📌 Promote regional mobility and integration to enhance opportunities for youth across IGAD member states.
The youth of the IGAD region are not just beneficiaries of economic growth—they are active contributors and leaders in shaping the future. By investing in their education, skills, and entrepreneurial potential, IGAD member states can unlock economic opportunities, drive innovation, and ensure sustainable development across the region.
Empowering youth today means securing a stronger, more resilient economy for tomorrow.
