How Asante Africa’s Youth Livelihood Program Support Youth Employment

Sep 11, 2024

Youth unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa is a tough reality, especially in Eastern Africa, where Asante Africa Foundation focuses its efforts. In the region, unemployment rates for young people often top 30%, with even higher rates for young women in rural areas, reaching up to 60%. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent the potential of countless young lives waiting to be unlocked. Asante Africa is part of a larger movement to change this narrative, believing in the ability of young people to create opportunities for themselves and their communities.

African youth, despite facing significant challenges, are the driving force of their communities. They deal with harsh realities but continue to demonstrate incredible resilience. Addressing youth unemployment is a collective effort, not just a single solution.

Asante Africa’s Youth Livelihood Program (YLP) is at the heart of this effort, offering training that goes beyond basic skills. The program helps young people make informed decisions, manage risks, and turn their ideas into successful businesses. With youth unemployment being such a critical issue, Asante Africa is dedicated to creating a foundation where young people can thrive and positively impact their economies.

A Snapshot of Our Youth Livelihood Program

Our program focuses on:

Entrepreneurship Training- We teach youth how to spot business opportunities, create business plans, and manage their enterprises. This hands-on approach helps them turn their ideas into reality.

Financial Literacy- Understanding budgeting, saving, and investing is crucial. We provide youth with the tools they need to manage their finances and set themselves up for long-term success.

Employability Skills and Digital Literacy: We blend essential soft skills—like communication and problem-solving—with crucial digital literacy. Many students, new to computers, learn to use digital tools and platforms such as Instagram to grow their businesses. This integration of skills ensures they are prepared for both traditional and digital job markets.

Stories of Impact

Here are a few stories that highlight the impact of our program:

Plastic Littering Project at Nkoaranga Secondary School: In Tanzania, students at Nkoaranga Secondary School tackled plastic waste in their community. Through our programs, they learned how to communicate effectively and work as a team. By recycling plastic, they turned waste into reusable products and gained valuable skills in project management and environmental sustainability. It’s not just about cleaning up—it’s about teaching youth to create lasting solutions.

Shoe-Making Business by Rodger: In Uganda, Rodger not only learned how to make shoes but also the essentials of budgeting, business planning, and financial risk management. These skills allowed him to build a thriving business that supports his family and community. Rodger’s journey from idea to successful entrepreneur, with our support, shows the power of opportunity and skill.

Making a Difference

Asante Africa Foundation’s Youth Livelihood Program is making a significant impact on youth unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa. By providing young people with essential skills, we’re helping to create a new generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. The stories from Nkoaranga Secondary School and Brian’s business demonstrate that with determination, creativity, and the right support, young Africans can transform challenges into opportunities.