EAC Youth: Employ us Without Working Experience, we Promise to Learn on the Job

The East African Community (EAC) head offices. Youth unemployment in East Africa hovers between 13% and 25%, with many more underemployed or stuck in informal jobs that barely sustain them. PHOTO/EAC.
  • Across countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and others, many graduates leave universities and technical institutions full of hope, only to face the harsh reality of unemployment.
  • Internship programmes, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training initiatives can bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping graduates with the skills they need to succeed.
  • While waiting for job opportunities, they can take advantage of free or affordable online courses, volunteer opportunities, and freelance work to build their skills and portfolios.

Unemployment among youth in East Africa is a pressing issue that continues to weigh heavily on the region’s economic and social development.

Fresh graduates, full of energy and potential, find themselves locked out of opportunities simply because they lack work experience. This paradox — requiring experience to gain experience — creates a vicious cycle that traps many young people in prolonged unemployment or underemployment.

But here’s the reality: with the right opportunities, young people can learn on the job and thrive in professional environments. Employers must look beyond resumes and give young people a chance to prove themselves.

East Africa is brimming with young, vibrant, and ambitious individuals. The region’s youthful population is its greatest asset, yet it remains under-utilised.

Across countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and others, many graduates leave universities and technical institutions full of hope, only to face the harsh reality of unemployment.

Youth unemployment in East Africa hovers between 13% and 25%, with many more underemployed or stuck in informal jobs that barely sustain them.

One of the most cited reasons for this situation is the demand for work experience in nearly every job advertisement. Companies routinely ask for two to five years of experience, even for entry-level positions. But how can someone gain experience without being employed in the first place? This contradiction is not just unfair—it’s counterproductive.

Employers often argue that hiring experienced workers reduces training costs and ensures higher productivity from day one. While this may hold true in the short term, it overlooks the immense potential of fresh graduates who are eager to learn and adapt.

With proper mentorship and training, these individuals can bring new perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong willingness to grow. Instead of dismissing applicants based on their lack of experience, companies can implement strategies to groom young talent.

Internship programmes, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training initiatives can bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping graduates with the skills they need to succeed.

Fresh graduates bring a unique outlook. They are not tied down by outdated practices or rigid thinking. Their exposure to modern technology, current trends, and theoretical knowledge can be a valuable asset to any organisation.

Most young people are highly motivated to prove themselves in the workplace. They are willing to put in the time and effort to acquire new skills, adapt to company culture, and contribute meaningfully to the organisation.

Hiring entry-level employees often comes at a lower salary cost compared to experienced professionals. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggling with tight budgets, this can be an opportunity to build a dedicated workforce without overstretching financial resources.

Additionally, when companies invest in training and nurturing fresh graduates, they often earn the loyalty of these employees. Young workers tend to appreciate organisations that give them their first break and are more likely to stay committed to such employers over the long term.

Youth unemployment is not just a challenge; it’s a wasted opportunity. If East Africa’s young population is gainfully employed, the region will experience faster economic growth, reduced dependency rates, and improved social cohesion.

Young people are the drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship, and their contributions are vital for tackling pressing issues like climate change, food security, and digital transformation. However, for this to happen, employers must change their mindset. They must stop seeing lack of experience as a limitation and start seeing the potential of youth as a limitless resource.

Many young people in East Africa may lack formal work experience, but they bring other valuable qualities that make them suitable candidates. Graduates from universities, polytechnics, and vocational schools have spent years acquiring knowledge in fields like engineering, agriculture, information technology, business, and healthcare.

They may lack practical exposure, but their theoretical foundation is strong. In today’s rapidly digitising world, young people are often more comfortable with technology than their older counterparts.

They can quickly adopt digital tools and use them to improve workplace efficiency. Surviving the challenges of unemployment itself builds resilience.

Many young people develop side hustles, learn new skills online, or engage in community projects to stay productive while job hunting. These experiences shape them into resourceful and determined individuals.

Employers must recognise that work experience is not the sole indicator of competence or potential. By taking a chance on fresh graduates, they can unlock a wealth of untapped talent that is ready to contribute, grow, and innovate. Governments and policymakers also have a role to play.

They can create incentives for companies that hire young people, such as tax breaks or grants for training programs. Additionally, education systems need to align more closely with industry demands, offering students practical exposure through internships and industrial attachments before they graduate.

Young people, too, must stay proactive. While waiting for job opportunities, they can take advantage of free or affordable online courses, volunteer opportunities, and freelance work to build their skills and portfolios. Networking, mentorship, and entrepreneurship are other avenues that can open doors to employment and personal growth.

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The demand for work experience among East African employers is locking out a generation of talented, ambitious, and capable youth. This is not only unjust but also a missed opportunity for economic growth and development.

Employers must move beyond the outdated mindset that equates experience with competence. Instead, they should embrace the potential of young people and provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.

To the employers reading this: employ us without working experience! We are ready to learn, adapt, and grow on the job. Invest in us, and we shall repay you with innovation, energy, and loyalty. The future of East Africa depends on the choices we make today. Let us choose to empower the youth and unlock the region’s full potential.

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Daniel Tusiimukye is a columnist with The Scholar Media Africa, is an award winning author, and a Ugandan based publisher. He is the founder at The Iconic Publications and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Makerere University, Kampala. His contact: d.tusiimukye@scholarmedia.africa

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