Madina Job Center and NYA Join Forces to Tackle Youth Unemployment

In a bold move to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment, the Madina Job Center (MJC) is in advanced talks with the National Youth Authority (NYA) to form a strategic partnership aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for young people.

The collaboration will focus on skills training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation, aligning with both Ghana’s national development goals and global efforts to combat youth unemployment.

Youth unemployment remains a pressing issue worldwide. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), global youth unemployment stands at 14.9%, nearly three times higher than the adult unemployment rate. In Africa, the situation is even more dire, with over 60% of young people either unemployed or underemployed. Ghana mirrors this trend, with youth unemployment hovering around 15% and underemployment affecting nearly half of the youth population.

The partnership between MJC and NYA seeks to tackle these challenges head-on. By expanding access to vocational and digital skills training, the initiative aims to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in today’s job market. These programs will be tailored to meet the evolving demands of industries, ensuring that participants are not only trained but also job-ready.

Entrepreneurship will also be a key focus. Many young Ghanaians have innovative business ideas but lack the resources to bring them to life. Through this collaboration, aspiring entrepreneurs will receive mentorship, funding, and business development training to help them launch and scale their ventures. This support is expected to create a ripple effect, as successful startups will generate employment opportunities for others, boosting the local economy.

Job placement and career development are equally critical components of the partnership. Despite having skills, many young people struggle to find employment due to limited networks and unclear pathways into the workforce. The initiative will address this by creating structured employment pathways and connecting trained youth with opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Policy advocacy will also play a significant role in ensuring the partnership’s long-term impact. MJC and NYA plan to work together to influence policies that promote youth employment and skills development. By engaging stakeholders at all levels, the collaboration aims to make youth empowerment a national priority and drive systemic changes that benefit the broader population.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By creating jobs, expanding access to education, and fostering economic growth, the partnership seeks to uplift communities and reduce poverty.

With Ghana’s youth making up nearly 38% of the population, investing in their future is not just a development goal—it’s a necessity. The MJC and NYA partnership represents a significant step forward in addressing the skills gap, creating jobs, and empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

As discussions progress, the Madina Job Center remains committed to its ambitious goal of creating over 1,000 jobs and empowering young people in 2025. This collaboration marks the beginning of a larger movement toward sustainable youth empowerment and economic resilience in Ghana.

For more information on how to get involved or support this initiative, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Madina Job Center or the National Youth Authority.