Economist Podcasts
Young, gifted and black: Africa’s next generation
Feb 20, 2025
Simon Rabinovich, the US economics editor for The Economist, dives into the challenges faced by Africa's educated and ambitious youth grappling with economic hardship and political disillusionment. He discusses how many young Africans are turning to side hustles and even considering emigration for better opportunities. The conversation also scrutinizes the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, revealing discrepancies in their claims about budget efficiency. Additionally, Rabinovich compares Germany's generous sick leave policies with those of other European nations.
21:11
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Quick takeaways
- African youth face significant economic barriers despite being well-educated, often resorting to side-hustles due to insufficient job opportunities.
- A growing disillusionment with democracy among young Africans is prompting a shift towards authoritarian ideals for perceived stability amid economic turmoil.
Deep dives
The Economic Struggles of Young Africans
Many young Africans are grappling with economic challenges, often unable to find stable and well-paying jobs despite being more educated than previous generations. This situation creates a stark contrast to global trends, where youth typically have better employment opportunities than older individuals. In Africa, the rapid influx of young people into the labor market outpaces job creation, resulting in many having to juggle multiple informal gigs to survive. Amid this frustration, there's a growing sentiment of disillusionment with political leadership, as many young Africans attribute their economic hardships to ineffective governance.
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