Youth unemployment and agribusiness: Study highlights Malawi’s challenges and opportunities

In low-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), youth face significant challenges in securing meaningful employment as they enter the labor force in large numbers. This issue is particularly critical in Malawi, where youth unemployment rates are alarmingly high. According to recent statistics, youth unemployment stands at 27.5% for those aged 15 to 24 years and 23.0% for those aged 15 to 34 years, compared to the overall unemployment rate of 20.4%.

The employment landscape in African countries, including Malawi, has not seen significant structural changes, hindering the transition to high-income economies with more productive agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. Efforts to address youth unemployment in Malawi have been insufficient, with many policies and programs overlooking the agricultural sector’s potential.

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