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Overview

Over the next decade, 1.2 billion young people will reach working age in developing countries, yet only 420 million jobs are expected to be created under the current trajectory. Among those youth who will get a job, few will find good jobs, where workers can be more productive and earn more. Without immediate action, millions of young people could be left behind, deprived of opportunity and hope—with wider impacts for social stability and economic growth.

Acting now, therefore, is critical to unlock private sector-driven economic growth that creates productive jobs, which will foster dignified livelihoods and enhance resilience to shocks that can push people back into poverty.

The challenge needs to be tackled on several fronts: Business-friendly policies and simpler regulations can fuel private sector growth. High-quality public infrastructure and access to electricity and digital technologies can make it easier for people to access work. Education and skills development initiatives must be aligned with the competencies and knowledge in need. Also crucial is an enhanced effort to support firms, especially smaller ones, in accessing financing so they can grow and become more productive.

Increasing job opportunities is particularly critical for women. Teenage pregnancy, early marriage, domestic responsibilities, limited access to childcare services, inadequate transport infrastructure and security, unequal access to assets, and restrictive societal norms hinder girls’ access to higher education and restrict women’s participation in the labor force. As a result, women’s occupational choices are often limited, leading to disproportionate involvement in vulnerable employment, if they engage in paid work at all.

For youth, a big challenge lies in ensuring that job opportunities align with their rising educational levels. In many low-income economies, young people are staying in school longer, yet even with higher education, they often find themselves trapped in occupations that make little to no use of their skills.

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025

MULTIMEDIA

Creating Jobs for Young People
VIDEO

Creating Jobs for Young People | World Bank Annual Meetings 2024

Over the next decade, 1.2 billion young people across emerging and developing countries will come of working age. Yet only 400 million jobs will be created. The World Bank Group has established a High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs to address this issue. At this event, World Bank President Ajay Banga, alongside Jobs Council co-chairs former President Michelle Bachelet of Chile and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore, shared their thoughts on the importance of pursuing bold and innovative ideas to create jobs that afford young people dignity and purpose.

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Inae Riveras
Senior External Affairs Officer
Giannina Raffo
External Affairs Officer