Job creation: more of the same is just more of the same

It’s 1991, MENA’s population sits at 260 million. Youth unemployment is hovering around 25%. Development thinkers prescribe a focus on job creation. Governments devise plans to unlock their countries’ economic potential.

It’s 2021, MENA’s population sits at 460 million. Youth unemployment is hovering around 25%. Development thinkers prescribe a focus on job creation. Governments devise plans to unlock their countries’ economic potential.

On top of jobs needed for the unemployed, the region needs 2.6 million new jobs per year until 2030 just to keep pace with demographic change. Is this likely?

How do we unleash the entrepreneurial potential of our youth while also searching for fulfilment beyond a pay-check? The framing of conversations on job creation needs a drastic rethink.