By 2050, one in every three young people globally will be of African origin.1 Africa faces a pressing job creation challenge, with an estimated 72.6 million jobs needed by 2030 to absorb its growing young population.

Unemployment and underemployment are already widespread—with approximately 60 percent of young people unable to secure stable employment—hindering economic growth and social stability.

Without urgent action and innovative solutions, millions of young Africans will struggle to find meaningful work, limiting their potential to contribute to Africa’s future.

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Jobs Report 2025, emerging technology developments, including artificial intelligence and big data, the green transition and demographic changes are driving transformation in the global labor market, reshaping new jobs and skills, and displacing old ones.

According to a 2024 WEF Future of Jobs Survey:

• Big Data Specialists, FinTech Engineers and AI and Machine Learning Specialists are expected to be the fastest growing jobs, with a net growth of between 80%–110% by 2030.
• Farmworkers top the list of the largest growing job roles in the next five years and are expected to see 35 million more jobs by 2030, because of the green transition.
• Administrative manual jobs such as clerks, cashiers, accountants and auditors are among the roles with the largest net job decline in absolute terms.

We are seeking your ideas, insights, and innovative solutions, best practices and grounded in applied research to achieve this ambitious goal.

We need bold, scalable ideas from all sectors, government, business, youth, think tanks, and civil society, to drive inclusive job creation and unlock Africa’s full potential for growth and prosperity.

We invite contributions on:

• Implementational Solutions: How can we practically create 72.6 million jobs? Your ideas for scalable, sustainable, and innovative employment solutions are crucial.
• Best Practices: Share success stories, policies, programs, and projects that have already made a tangible impact on job creation across Africa.
• Game-Changing Strategies: Think big—how can Africa leverage technology, education, industry, and entrepreneurship to unlock job creation at scale?

Submissions language: English or French.

• Show Your Passion: Top 10 shortlisted entry submissions will be invited to present their ideas during the ADIF Forum Policy and Strategy Hackathon, before a panel of experts, government leaders, and influential stakeholders from across Africa.
• Collaboration: Join a vibrant community of researchers, policymakers, practitioners and businessmen and women, who are driving tangible change.
• Gain Visibility and Engage with Thought Leaders: Showcase your ideas to a high-level audience of policymakers, business leaders, and experts. Participate in sessions that turn ideas into practical, scalable solutions.
• Win Opportunities: Your winning ideas may attract funding, partnerships, and further development support to turn your vision into action.