African Countries Where Employed Youth Live Below $2.15

Africa, a continent rich in natural and human resources faces some big economic challenges that hit millions hard, especially young people who struggle to make ends meet, even when they have jobs.

As African countries work to rebuild their economies, jobs for youth have become more important than ever. But while more young people are landing jobs, many still live in poverty. In some African nations, young workers are scraping by on less than $2.15 a day, a sobering sign of the deep-rooted economic issues across the continent.

Living on such low wages, young people face a daily uphill battle just to afford the basics. Rent, food, healthcare, and education often feel out of reach, and they’re forced to make tough choices just to survive.

Why does this poverty persist, even among the employed? It’s a mix of factors. First, many African economies are stuck in a cycle of relying on agriculture and raw materials, which don’t create enough stable, high-paying jobs. Because there is little investment in other industries like manufacturing or tech, job opportunities stay limited, and wages remain low.

Another big challenge is the fast-growing population. Africa has one of the world’s quickest-growing youth populations, with waves of young people entering the workforce every year. While this could be a huge economic advantage, the lack of jobs has led to high unemployment and underemployment.

According to a Statista report based on data from the International Labour Organization, Madagascar has the highest percentage of employed youth living on less than $2.15 a day, at 78.18%. Burundi follows with 69.67%, and Mozambique ranks third at 68.66%.