Accra: In the bustling markets of Lagos, the tech hubs of Nairobi, and the nascent industrial parks of Dakar, there is a powerful, yet underutilised, force for change. It is the energy of African enterprise: the small shop owner, the aspiring software developer, the woman-led agribusiness. These are the true engines of job creation for the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. Yet, these engines are running at a fraction of their capacity, constrained by systemic challenges that demand not just recognition, but audacious, collective action.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the scale of the need is undeniable. To absorb the millions of young people entering the workforce each year, Africa must create 30 million new jobs annually (AfDB, 2023). The private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), should be the primary driver of this employment. However, the reality is that over 85% of employment in Africa remains informal, characterised by insecurity, low productivity, and a lack o
f social protection (ILO, 2023). This is not a choice made by millions, but a circumstance imposed by a system that has yet to fully include them. This stark mismatch between human potential and economic opportunity is the central challenge of our time, undermining not just growth, but the very fabric of our societies.
The infrastructure gap must be closed through transparent and accountable public-private partnerships (PPPs). Governments should create the enabling environment, but the private sector must be leveraged for its capital and expertise. Crucially, civil society must play a role in ensuring these projects are community-centred and environmentally sustainable. Governments must be urged to champion regulatory harmonisation and policy predictability. Simplifying business registration, protecting property rights, and combating corruption are not just technical fixes; they are fundamental to restoring trust and enabling entrepreneurs to thrive. As Rwanda has demonstrated, consistent and transparent gov
ernance is a powerful magnet for investment and growth (WB, 2024).