Why Co-Creation is the Key to Reducing Youth Unemployment in South Africa

South Africa’s youth unemployment rate is currently at a staggering 48%. That means almost one in two young people is struggling to find a job, contribute to the economy, or pursue a meaningful career. This crisis is not just an economic issue - it’s a social and moral challenge that requires urgent and innovative solutions.

But there is hope. One of the most powerful approaches to tackling this crisis lies in co-creation - a collaborative process where multiple stakeholders come together to design and implement solutions.

By embracing co-creation, we can move beyond short-term fixes and build systems that empower our youth to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The State of Youth Unemployment in South Africa

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is deeply rooted in structural issues:

• Mismatch Between Education and Industry Needs: Many young people graduate without the skills needed for today’s job market.
• Limited Access to Resources: Lack of funding, mentorship, and infrastructure stifles entrepreneurial aspirations.
• Economic Inequality: Disadvantaged communities face systemic barriers to employment opportunities.
• Rapid Technological Change: Automation and digital transformation are reshaping industries, making traditional roles obsolete.

While these challenges may seem insurmountable, they also present an opportunity for bold and collaborative action.

What is Co-Creation, and Why Does It Work?

Co-creation is the process of working collaboratively across sectors - business, government, education, and communities - to design solutions that address complex challenges.

Unlike top-down approaches, co-creation is:

• Inclusive: It values the insights and experiences of all stakeholders, especially those directly affected, such as young people.
• Innovative: By bringing together diverse perspectives, it fosters creative solutions that might not emerge in siloed environments.
• Sustainable: Co-created solutions are more likely to be embraced and implemented because they reflect shared ownership.

How Co-Creation Can Solve Youth Unemployment

Closing the Skills Gap:

• Businesses and educators can work together to align training programs with industry demands.
• Example: Developing curricula focused on digital skills, renewable energy, or creative industries - sectors with high growth potential.

Fostering Entrepreneurship:

• Government and private sector players can create funding pools, incubators, and mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs.
• Example: Offering grants or seed funding for youth-led startups in underserved communities.

Creating Job Opportunities:

• Collaborative public-private partnerships can invest in infrastructure and industries that create jobs.
• Example: Launching projects in green energy, tourism, or agriculture that employ and train young people.

Empowering Youth Voices:

• Engaging young people directly in the design of policies and programs ensures solutions meet their real needs.
• Example: Hosting youth forums where their ideas are included in national strategies.

Simplifying Policy and Bureaucracy:

• Governments can work with the private sector to reduce red tape for businesses and startups.
• Example: Streamlining registration processes for youth enterprises.

Why Now is the Time for Co-Creation

We are living in a time of rapid technological and economic transformation. While this creates challenges, it also opens up opportunities for South Africa to leapfrog into the future by adopting innovative solutions.

If we wait for the job market to adjust on its own, we risk leaving an entire generation behind. But if we act now - if we co-create the Future of Jobs - we can:

• Prepare young people for industries that don’t yet exist.
• Build a more inclusive economy where everyone has the chance to contribute.
• Create a legacy of collaboration that strengthens our nation.

Inspiring Examples of Co-Creation in Action

Globally, there are examples of how co-creation has been used to tackle youth unemployment:

• Germany’s Apprenticeship Model: Businesses and vocational schools collaborate to ensure students gain both academic knowledge and practical experience.
• India’s Startup India Initiative: The government, corporations, and NGOs work together to foster entrepreneurship, leading to job creation in diverse sectors.
• South Africa’s YES (Youth Employment Service): A co-created initiative between businesses and government, YES has provided work opportunities to thousands of young people.

These initiatives show that co-creation is not just theoretical - it works.

A Call to Action: The Future of Leadership Summit

In 2025, the Future of Leadership Summit will focus on co-creating the Future of Jobs. This event will bring together leaders from all sectors - business, education, government, and youth - to design actionable strategies for reducing youth unemployment in South Africa.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Business Leaders: Share your expertise and insights on emerging job opportunities.
• Educators: Partner with us to align skills training with future job demands.
• Youth: Participate in discussions, share your experiences, and help shape the future.
• Policymakers: Collaborate with stakeholders to simplify regulations and encourage job creation.

This is more than an event - it’s a movement. By working together, we can transform South Africa into a nation where every young person has the chance to succeed.

The Time for Action is Now

Youth unemployment is not just a statistic - it’s a call to action. It’s a challenge that demands collaboration, creativity, and commitment. Through co-creation, we can turn obstacles into opportunities and build a future where South Africa’s youth lead the way.

Let’s work together to co-create the Future of Jobs. If you’d like to contribute to the Future of Leadership Summit or share your ideas, let’s connect. The future is ours to shape. Let’s get started.