Angolan youth and the challenge of decent employment

Youth Unemployment: A Worrying Reality

According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), the unemployment rate among young Angolans remains high, standing at over 50% in several provinces. This number is not just a cold statistic – it represents postponed dreams, wasted talents and a growing sense of frustration.

It is true that Angola has made progress in infrastructure and education, but there is still a glaring disconnect between what is taught in educational institutions and the real needs of the job market. Many young people graduate in areas that are saturated or undervalued, without a clear national strategy for career guidance and economic planning.

In addition, most of the jobs available are informal, precarious and without job security. Young graduates are forced to accept temporary, low-paid jobs or even resort to street trading to survive. This not only contributes to underemployment, but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.

The Role of the State and Private Sector

In my opinion, the Angolan State has an urgent responsibility to lead a profound reform in the youth employment sector. It is not just about creating vacancies in the civil service, but also about fostering an environment that is conducive to youth entrepreneurship, technological innovation and investment in productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and the digital economy.

It is also essential to combat practices such as nepotism, clientelism and corruption, which keep the most talented and committed young people away from decision-making and leadership positions. Merit should be the main criterion for access to opportunities, not political or family connections.

The private sector, in turn, must stop viewing young people as cheap labour and start seeing them as strategic partners in business growth. Investing in well-structured internship programmes, ongoing training and talent retention policies is an essential step towards valuing Angolan youth.

Education, Technical Training and Hope

Another key aspect of combating youth unemployment is the promotion of technical and professional education, which continues to be marginalized in favor of university degrees that do not always guarantee employability. In many developed countries, specialized technicians are the ones who sustain industries and services — Angola cannot continue to ignore this model.

Young people also need to believe in their own value. Encouraging a culture of autonomy, innovation and creativity can be transformative. Initiatives such as innovation hubs, technology training centers and microcredit programs for small businesses should be widespread, especially outside Luanda, where opportunities are even scarcer.

Conclusion

Angola is at a turning point. Youth are its greatest strength and its greatest risk. If they are ignored, undervalued or underestimated, they could become a source of instability. If they are empowered, listened to and integrated, they will be the driving force behind a new cycle of growth, social justice and prosperity.

The time has come to rethink the national development model based on the needs and potential of young people. Providing them with decent employment is, ultimately, ensuring a sustainable future for the entire Angolan nation.