The fight against unemployment in Africa: people come and go, but institutions remain

If colonialism and neocolonialism have destroyed cultures, undermined the foundations of traditional and ancestral values, and exacerbated ethnic conflicts, resulting in waves of refugees across the globe, an unexpected development has emerged. A diaspora capable of offering solutions and contributing to the consolidation of institutions and structures through significant financial investment. If political parties in Africa have shown a tendency to divide and rule, prioritising self-interest over service to the people, how can strong institutions help rebuild trust and national cohesion? How can we ensure the sustainability of social justice, justice for all, as a common good, and eliminate all forms of monopoly through permanent structures and institutions? If certain churches have lulled the people into a passive state, stripping them of any initiative and keeping them in fictitious hopes, how can institutions in a secular state reawaken the determination and sense of vision to take charge, just like our ancestors did? Here are some potential strategies that may attract the attention of decision-makers: Stop centre for unemployment Is it appropriate to create a centre with the objective of consolidating all job-seeking procedures in one place within a sector (a smaller administrative unit than a district)? This would involve reception, guidance for retraining, skills upgrading, training, and, above all, profile assessments. However, a nationwide organisation could coordinate all the Stop Centre Employment offices. It would be beneficial to also create a National Employment office in Africa, similar to other organisations like the RDB, RGB, RBC, Rwanda Convention Bureau (RCB), etc. ONEM, by staying in constant contact with Human Resources departments in both public and private institutions, could easily direct job seekers towards available opportunities. FOREM This organisation, at the district level, could serve as a central point for identifying training opportunities for employment. We have witnessed how decentralising international cooperation and partnerships between countries and districts can enhance training, tailored to the specificities of each region, its scientific and industrial parks, or its economic zones. Ministry of youth and employment It would be wise for all these organisations to be overseen by the Ministry of Youth or its Secretary of State for Arts and Crafts. Simply adding EMPLOYMENT to the title and responsibilities of this ministry would call things by their name and continuously raise awareness. Of course, there is already the Ministry of Labor and Public Service. But it specifically deals with labour laws, the public service, and state officials. CAPAC & Community works The idea of community work, umusanzu ku gihugu (contribution to the nation), could serve as a justification for providing social assistance to the unemployed in the form of monthly subsidies. This differs from Western models, where unemployed individuals often receive assistance without contributing. Thus, there is a need to establish CAPAC in Africa: The Auxiliary Fund for the Payment of Unemployment Benefits. This agency would provide payments to unemployed individuals who participate in community service or collective interest work (umusanzu journalier - daily contribution) while waiting to secure formal employment. We should also recognize the success of the VUP (Vision Umurenge Program) in Rwanda, which addresses the needs of people in extreme poverty. The program’s first phase revives public works using participatory community approaches to build communal assets and develop off-farm employment infrastructure. Ultimately, all these proposals aim to awaken African consciousness, particularly among the Diaspora and African youth, to achieve a vision of zero unemployment and maintain an enduring determination to combat joblessness. Encouraging the Diaspora to invest massively in areas that can create jobs goes hand in hand with Rwanda's leadership, which encourages young people to take charge of their own destiny, Kwihangira umurimo (create your own job). This approach is in line with Rwanda's traditional values and culture, encapsulated in the saying: Umuntu niwe wigira yakwibura agapfa (One must steer their own course; failure to do so leads to ruin). Moreover, Rwanda relies more on its dense population as a source of intellectual capital than on natural resources, fully aware that the world has become a global village. Furthermore, the return on investment from the Diaspora will significantly contribute to combating poverty and unemployment in Rwanda. Thus, Rwanda's vision of Zero Unemployment could become a reality. If achieved, it would serve as a model for Africa, proving that such a goal is not a utopia, but a possible and inspiring example. The writer is a Doctor, Thinker, and Writer.

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The fight against unemployment in Africa: people come and go, but institutions remain