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 How Young populations in Africa/Latin America Have Potential Growth But Need Jobs/Policies to Match

Santiago Bel
December 27, 2024

Both Africa and Latin America face a significant shift. A wealth of young citizens - many under twenty-five - join the workforce annually. This presents chances, yet also difficulties, for those steering economies. The way nations handle this change will likely shape their future.

 

A lot of young people boost their economies. They create more stuff, fresh ideas, also bigger buying power within the country. New companies frequently spring up because younger folks are energetic and eager to build things. As workforces expand in certain nations, so too might their ability to save money and invest - spurring on new construction, technological advancements, alongside industry growth. Often called a “demographic dividend”, a good balance between working people versus those they support could really help economies flourish when utilized well.

 

Often, progress doesn’t just happen on its own. For growth to mean something good, leaders need to build opportunities alongside plans fitting the size of what they face. Across much of Africa as well as Latin America, joblessness hits youth particularly hard - sometimes at rates two or even three times greater than overall unemployment. A lot of jobs aren’t official, so people miss out on things like healthcare, security, or a real future. When chances are limited, discontent grows - folks end up stuck in jobs below their skill level. This weakens communities while also squandering potential progress.

 

Getting an education - or learning a trade - matters immensely. Too often, those starting out lack the abilities employers need now, especially in fields like tech, money management, or making things. Nations prioritizing job training, college, alongside computer literacy find it easier to get young adults working. Chile, alongside Rwanda, began efforts to help young people find work or start businesses - results so far are mixed. A strong link between schooling and available jobs often means a healthier economy.

 

How we build policy is crucial too. Laws about work, financial boosts, alongside support for communities – these things shape whether young people can really help our economies flourish. Helping young adults launch companies eases hurdles; meanwhile, focused support or training links them to jobs. Investing in things like roads, power, and internet broadens possibilities, especially where location or unfairness restricts movement.

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Things could really unravel if young people can’t find jobs, expect more trouble, folks leaving home, economies stuck in place. Look at Latin America; protests often flare up when work is scarce for those just starting out. Similarly, some African nations struggle with chaos because opportunities don't exist. However, thriving might mean years of strength. Nations wisely using their youthful people may experience greater output, fresh ideas, alongside increased buying power – a positive loop fueling progress.

 

Opportunities matter, yet belonging does too. Everyone – especially women alongside those often left out – needs a seat at the table. To build a future where everyone thrives, we must invest in our younger generation. Supporting young entrepreneurs, boosting their tech skills, likewise providing financial resources levels the playing field. This unlocks potential - a win for individuals, also long-term progress.

 

Africa, likewise Latin America, stands at a pivotal moment. A wealth of youthful people could fuel rapid development, update economic systems, broaden well-being - however, realizing this depends on certain factors. Whether things improve rests with leaders enacting sensible rules, bolstering education, generating work opportunities, also making certain youth participate completely in financial life. Success means a growing population fuels progress; otherwise, it risks hardship, conflict, and unrest.

 

A youthful population isn’t inherently good news. It's a possible advantage, yet its worth hinges on the systems governing life – jobs, government, society – shaping what those people can achieve. Leaders recognizing this, then responding thoughtfully, could spur considerable progress.

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2025 Holmdel Journal For Applied Economics
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