Youth employment remains one of Africa’s most pressing challenges with unemployment rates in 2024 for those aged 15 to 24 estimated at 11.2%. While young people across the continent are eager to work, barriers such as limited work experience, inadequate professional networks, and skills mismatches prevent them from securing sustainable jobs. Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator in Rwanda, in collaboration with Global Citizen, stepped in to address this gap. 

“One major issue is the lack of work experience, as many employers require experience even for entry-level roles, creating a cycle where young people struggle to get hired without prior experience,” says Amanda Kamanzi, communication manager at Harambee. 

“Programs like the Move Afrika Youth Program help by giving participants relevant work experience, as well as exposure to potential employers, including vendors, partners, and key stakeholders.”

At Move Afrika: Kigali 2025, this partnership mobilized young people, equipping them with essential skills, and connecting them to meaningful economic opportunities through direct, hands-on experience.

Harambee’s approach to youth employment is deeply aligned with Move Afrika’s vision of driving economic inclusion and innovation across the continent. Move Afrika seeks to create opportunities beyond traditional job openings, fostering an ecosystem where young people can thrive in industries such as the creative economy and global business services. 

By ensuring that young professionals receive demand-driven training and real-world exposure, Harambee and Global Citizen are helping bridge the gap between skills and employment opportunities.

Skilling for Success
At Move Afrika: Kigali 2025, Harambee and Global Citizen helped young people gain the skills they need to thrive in fast-growing industries. Here's how:

• Work-readiness training: Focused on English skills and workplace behavior, prepping young professionals for the corporate world.
• Hands-on experience: Through Harambee’s Ambassadors Community, participants learn event coordination, campaign messaging, and public engagement. Youth ambassadors are paired with Move Afrika teams on the ground, from production and logistics to media and content, giving them the chance to work alongside professionals behind the event and gain first-hand experience in the lead-up to the concert what it takes to organize an event of that magnitude.
• Networking opportunities: They connect with potential employers, vendors, and key players — giving them access to opportunities they might not have otherwise.

By getting involved in real events like Move Afrika, this collaboration ensured these young people not only build technical skills but also vital soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication — everything needed to succeed in today’s job market.

“Empowering the next generation is at the heart of Global Citizen’s work,” says Lipalesa Morake, Director of Africa Youth Development at Global Citizen. “We know the importance of empowering young people with specific skills, real-life practicals and on-the-job training. That’s what leaves a lasting impact.” 

Stories of Transformation
Harambee’s initiatives have already transformed countless lives, providing young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. One such success story is Eddy Gasana, who got the opportunity to work at Move Afrika twice through Harambee.

“Harambee has been transformative in equipping me with leadership skills and confidence. Through their training, I learned how to work well with others, communicate effectively, and take initiative — growth that has benefited me both professionally and personally,” says Gasana. 

“Thanks to Harambee, I secured a role with Move Afrika — twice — as a team lead for ambassadors in the production team. In this role, I assist with concert setup, and support the press team in covering every aspect of the event, from guest arrivals to behind-the-scenes operations,”he explains. “At first, I was shy and unsure of myself, but leading a team pushed me to step out of my shell and believe in my abilities. I’ve learned that a good leader leads by example, and with each experience, my confidence has grown. These opportunities have shaped my future, and I’m excited to keep learning and improving. I encourage any shy young person to join Harambee — their training prepares you for the workplace”

Eddy’s story is a testament to the impact that structured skills training and networking opportunities can have on a young job seeker’s trajectory.

Addressing Employment Barriers
Young job seekers in Africa face real challenges that make it harder for them to find stable employment and limited professional networks make it tough to connect with the right people and access opportunities. And many youth also face a skills gap, where what they’ve learned doesn’t match what employers are looking for.

But through collaborations with events like Move Afrika, Harambee and Global Citizen are working to break down these barriers. “Youth mobilization is essential for scaling impact and ensuring young people take full advantage of available opportunities,” says Kamanzi. “Events like Move Afrika rely on young ambassadors to spread awareness, create excitement, and drive engagement among their peers.” 

Through these strategies, this collaboration paves pathways to meaningful work, ensuring that more young people can access the opportunities they deserve.

The Road Ahead
Africa’s rapidly changing youth demographics demand a new approach to youth employment. This partnership is a clear example of how focused skills development, meaningful networking, and real-world exposure can open doors to economic independence. By connecting education to employment, this collaboration is empowering young Africans not just to find jobs, but to take an active role in shaping the continent’s future. This partnership aims to equip Africa’s youth with the skills and opportunities to not only succeed but lead in an ever-changing global economy.