Why Many Young People in MENA Have No Jobs

Post by : Monika

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is home to one of the youngest populations in the world. More than half of its people are under the age of 30. On the surface, this sounds like a blessing. A young and energetic generation can drive growth, innovation, and progress. But the reality is very different.

Youth unemployment in the MENA region is one of the highest in the world. In many countries, one out of every three young people is jobless. Even those who finish school or university struggle to find work. Many who do get jobs end up in positions that pay very little or do not match their skills.

This crisis has been going on for decades, but in recent years, it has become worse. Weak economies, political instability, rapid population growth, and limited private sector opportunities have combined to create a situation where millions of young people feel left out of the future.

Why Are Young People Struggling?

Several reasons explain why young men and women in MENA cannot find proper jobs.

1. Rapid Population Growth

The region’s population has been growing very fast. Every year, millions of young people enter the job market. However, economies in many MENA countries are not growing at the same speed. This means there are simply not enough jobs available for everyone.

2. Weak Private Sector

In many countries in the region, the private sector is too small. Most businesses are family-owned and do not expand quickly. Governments used to hire many people, but now they cannot afford to give jobs to everyone. Without strong private industries, young graduates often have no place to go.

3. Mismatch Between Skills and Jobs

Education systems in many MENA countries focus more on theory than on practical skills. As a result, students often graduate without the abilities that employers need. For example, while technology and digital jobs are growing globally, schools in the region are still slow to prepare students for them.

4. Political Instability and Conflicts

Wars, protests, and political unrest have damaged economies and scared away investors. Countries like Syria, Libya, and Yemen have seen entire industries collapse. Even in more stable countries, political tensions create uncertainty that discourages businesses from hiring.

5. Cultural Expectations

In some countries, social expectations play a role too. Many families prefer their children, especially daughters, to take safe government jobs rather than risk working in the private sector. Since government jobs are limited, this adds to the frustration.

What Do the Numbers Show?

According to international studies, youth unemployment in the MENA region is about 25% to 30%, which is nearly double the global average. In some countries, the rate is even higher. For example:

• In Tunisia, youth unemployment is above 35%.
• In Jordan, about one-third of young people are jobless.
• In Egypt, thousands of university graduates remain unemployed each year.

This situation is worse for young women. Across the region, female youth unemployment is nearly 40%, making it one of the highest in the world.

Impact on Young People

• The lack of jobs has serious effects on the lives of young people.
• Frustration and Lost Hopes
• Many youths feel that no matter how hard they study, they will not get a good job. This frustration leads to anger and hopelessness.
• Migration and Brain Drain

Because opportunities are limited, many talented young people try to move abroad. Countries in Europe and the Gulf often attract these workers. While this helps individuals, it also means that home countries lose their brightest minds.

Delay in Life Plans

Without jobs, young people cannot save money, get married, or start families. This delays important social and personal milestones.

Risk of Instability

Large groups of jobless youth can lead to social unrest. The Arab Spring protests in 2011 were fueled in part by high youth unemployment. Governments fear that the problem could again lead to instability.

• How Governments Are Responding
• Different countries are trying to deal with the crisis in different ways.
• Investing in Education
• Some governments are reforming schools to teach more practical and digital skills. For example, coding, English, and entrepreneurship are being added to curriculums.
• Encouraging Startups

Programs that support small businesses and startups are growing. Countries like the UAE are investing in tech hubs and innovation centers to encourage young entrepreneurs.

• Partnerships with Private Sector
• Governments are inviting private companies to invest and create jobs. Free zones and tax benefits are offered to attract foreign investors.
• Training and Skill Development
• Vocational training centers are being set up to prepare young people for jobs in tourism, manufacturing, and services.
• However, these efforts are often too slow compared to the fast growth of the youth population.
• Voices from the Ground
• Young people across the region share common struggles:
• Leila, 23, from Morocco: “I studied business for four years, but I cannot find a job. Every company asks for experience, but how can I get experience without a first job?”
• Ahmed, 25, from Egypt: “I drive a taxi even though I studied engineering. My family is disappointed, but I cannot sit at home jobless.”
• Sara, 21, from Jordan: “I want to work in technology, but opportunities are very limited for women in my city.”
• These voices show how education, gender, and opportunity gaps all come together to trap youth in a cycle of disappointment.
• The Road Ahead
• Experts say solving youth unemployment in MENA requires long-term planning. Quick fixes will not be enough. The following steps are considered important:
• Economic Diversification – Countries that depend heavily on oil must build industries in technology, tourism, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
• Stronger Private Sector – Governments need to encourage competition and support businesses that can hire young workers.
• Better Education Systems – Schools and universities must teach skills that match today’s job market.
• Gender Inclusion – Women should be given equal chances in the workplace. Policies that support childcare, safe transport, and flexible work can help.
• Youth Participation – Young people should have a say in policymaking so that programs are designed with their needs in mind.

Youth unemployment in the Middle East and North Africa is more than just an economic issue. It is a social and political challenge that affects millions of lives. The region’s largest generation is full of talent, ambition, and dreams. Yet without jobs, their potential remains locked away.

If governments, private companies, and international partners can work together to create real opportunities, the young people of MENA can become the drivers of growth and progress. But if action is delayed, frustration and unrest may continue to grow.