This book explores in detail the challenges facing Africa’s youth in their transition from school to work, and proposes a strategy for meeting those challenges. It addresses the importance of investing in youth: not only because by 2010, youth will account for 28% of the population of Africa, but because labor is the most abundant asset in poor households in Africa, and improving the outcomes of labor is a key factor in moving out of poverty.

The book describes how Africa’s young people spend their time and presents a case for investing in youth in Africa, analyzing the two paths to working life for Africa’s youth: directly (without the benefit of education) and through school. It also presents new evidence on the effects of education on employment and income in selected countries, and examines youth unemployment and its determinants. The case studies conducted in selected African countries analyze policies and programs implemented on youth employment and suggest a policy framework to help African youth successfully transition to working life.

The book is available for purchase through multiple online outlets, including the World Bank. It can be read online through Google Books, or downloaded from the World Bank website as a PDF document through the link below.