October 2025
Co-edited by PEP Research Fellows, this book draws on the research conducted as part of the What Works for Youth Employment in Africa initiative.
PEP is pleased to announce the publication of Youth Employment Programmes in Africa, a new volume that brings together cutting-edge evidence and policy insights from nine African countries.
Co-edited by PEP Research Fellows Ramos Mabugu and Lucas Ronconi, the book draws from PEP’s What Works for Youth Employment in Africa initiative, supported in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It offers a comprehensive analysis of how youth employment programmes (YEPs) operate in practice across the continent.
Taking the world’s youngest continent by population (60% of Africans are under 25 years of age), the book examines a central policy challenge: are current programmes effectively supporting young people, particularly those most vulnerable? Drawing on insights from more than 500 in-depth interviews and 1,500 focus group participants, the contributors explore how governments design and deliver YEPs, whether programmes reach intended beneficiaries, and how political clientelism and responding to unrest shape access and effectiveness.
The book also highlights coordination gaps across institutions, revealing how fragmented policy environments often undermine impact. By combining rich qualitative findings with analysis of labour market data and institutional contexts, the volume provides a nuanced political-economy perspective on youth employment policies.
For researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, this book offers evidence-based insights into what drives programme success—and failure—in real-world settings. It provides details on which policies are equitable, scalable, and responsive to the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing youth population. As such, it is an essential resource for anyone working to design or support policies aiming to enable young Africans to access dignified and fulfilling work.
Join our webinar on November 21 to celebrate the launch of this book register
Use code 25AFLY4 for 20% off until March 31, 2026.
