On the occasion of International Youth Day, celebrated on August 12, the NGO Parole et Action pour le Réveil des consciences et le Changement des Mentalités (PARCEM) accused African governments of not responding to the essential needs of their youth. PARCEM urged African governments to transition from rhetoric to tangible measures to stem the outflow of young people. Faustin Ndikumana, director of PARCEM, stated that the significant departure of young individuals abroad indicates a gradual erosion of hope, reflecting a progressive loss of hope among the continent's youth.
Youth Needs Unmet
PARCEM identified several essential needs for youth that African governments must address. These include access to quality training, infrastructure for self-promotion, reliable internet connectivity, consistent electricity supply, clean water, and sufficient food. The NGO emphasized that these fundamental provisions are key for young people to thrive and contribute to their societies. Beyond these basic necessities, young people also noted the critical importance of facilitating access to employment opportunities and bank loans, which are vital for entrepreneurship and economic independence.
The challenges faced by young people are starkly illustrated by international statistics. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated that in 2025, approximately 262 million young people aged 15 to 24 were neither employed, nor in education, nor in training. This significant demographic, often referred to as NEETs, represents a substantial untapped potential and a major concern for economic development and social stability across the continent. The prevalence of precarious work adds another layer of difficulty; in 2025, 87.6% of employment in sub-Saharan Africa was informal, noting the unstable and often low-paying nature of available work for many. This lack of formal employment opportunities further exacerbates the challenges faced by young individuals seeking stable livelihoods.
Burundi's Youth Exodus
The situation in Burundi serves as a poignant example of the broader trend of youth migration driven by a search for better prospects. Young people from Burundi are leaving the country for a diverse array of destinations, including Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Gulf countries, and Eastern Europe. This outward migration reflects a desperate search for opportunities and improved living conditions beyond their home nation's borders. The economic realities within Burundi contribute significantly to this exodus. In Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, many unemployed young people spend their days in public spaces, a visible consequence of the limited economic prospects and scarcity of jobs within the country. The widespread lack of employment opportunities directly contributes to the broader trend of youth seeking livelihoods and a future abroad, often at great personal risk.
Government Response and NGO Critique
Burundian authorities state that youth in the country benefit from support through specific government programs. These initiatives include the Banque d’investissement pour les jeunes (BIJE), which aims to provide financial assistance for youth-led ventures, and the Programme d’autonomisation économique et d’emploi des jeunes (PAEEJ), designed to foster economic empowerment and employment. These programs are presented as government efforts to address youth needs and promote economic stability and self-sufficiency.
However, the NGO Parole et Action pour le Réveil des consciences et le Changement des Mentalités (PARCEM) believes these government efforts must be reinforced by deeper and more sustainable actions. PARCEM's critique suggests that current measures, while potentially beneficial, are insufficient to tackle the root causes of youth disillusionment and the growing trend of migration. The organization advocates for more full and lasting solutions that address the fundamental issues of access to quality education, job creation, and basic services, rather than relying solely on programmatic interventions.