Young Cameroonians are becoming increasingly disillusioned with domestic economic prospects as unemployment surges and confidence in state interventions plunges, with 60% of young people now considering leaving the country, a new Afrobarometer study reveals.
According to the report, Cameroonian youth aged 18 to 35 represent the most educated generation in the country’s history, with 80% having attained at least some secondary education. However, they face disproportionately high levels of joblessness, with 36% reporting that they are unemployed and actively searching for work.
The findings highlight a widening gap between academic qualifications and labour market needs. Young citizens cited inadequate training (23%), a mismatch between qualifications and job requirements (21%), and a lack of work experience (19%) as the primary obstacles to securing stable employment.
Dissatisfaction with government action has reached record highs. Over three-quarters (77%) of young Cameroonians believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, while 65% rate current economic conditions as bad. Only 19% approve of official efforts to generate employment, marking a steep 27% drop in approval since 2015.
Faced with shrinking opportunities at home, 61% of respondents admitted to contemplating emigration to escape financial hardship and secure better livelihoods elsewhere.
Should government resources be allocated towards youth support, 49% stated that job creation should take immediate priority, while 60% indicated a preference for starting their own businesses over entering public sector employment.
–ChannelAfrica/Afrobarometer–
