In a country like Ethiopia, where the youth populations have greater potential to play in every aspect, developing their knowledge and promoting their entrepreneurs skills is crucial for economic growth and job creation. By supporting and encouraging young people to start their own businesses, the government and various organizations can help boost the local economy and provide employment opportunities for the burgeoning youth population.
In recent years, there has been a significant focus on expanding job opportunities in Ethiopia to boost economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its people. The job market in Ethiopia has been predominantly focused on agriculture, with a large portion of the population engaged in farming activities. However, in the past few years, there has been a shift towards creating job opportunities in other sectors such as manufacturing, construction, technology, and tourism because diversification of the job market is essential for sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty levels in the country.
The Ethiopian government has been actively promoting job creation through various policies and initiatives. One of the key strategies is to attract foreign investment by offering incentives such as tax breaks, access to land, and infrastructure support. Additionally, the government has been working on improving the business environment and investing in education and skills development to equip the workforce with the necessary skills for the job market.
As a result, over the years it was possible to build the entrepreneur capacity of the young people as well as create jobs for citizens both at home and overseas.
Recently, Minister of Labor and Skill Muferihat Kamil disclosed that domestic and oversea employment opportunities have been created for more than 3 million citizens over the last 10 months.
Muferihat noted that great emphasis has been placed on empowering workers to acquire the required skills as those who would be employed at national level and abroad.
In particular, the Minister recalled that the necessary preparation for the deployment of skilled manpower to abroad is being done, she said, adding that eligible workers are being certified apart from providing training.
According to her, 314,000 Ethiopians have benefited from overseas employment in the last ten months of the just ended Ethiopian financial year.
Muferihat also explained that the employment was done in such a manner that the citizens can work while their safety, benefits and rights are protected.
As a result, a total of over 3 million citizens have got access to jobs; of which 2.7 million citizens have benefited from job opportunities created in the country
Concerted efforts are also being carried out to create favorable conditions for citizens to register and enter the job market by establishing a digital system, the Minister pointed out.
She added that an enabling environment has been created in the technical and vocational training sphere where young people can turn their creative ideas into technological products.
To this effect, 76 innovative technologies, that were introduced by young entrepreneurs and won at the contest for their impact on job creation, have been transferred to production for the growth of the country’s economy.
The government has also given due attention on creating more jobs by developing startups and enterprises, Muferihat added.
Encouraging young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses is essential for several reasons. First, it helps to tackle the issue of unemployment among the youth population. By creating their own businesses, young people not only generate income for themselves but also create job opportunities for others. This, in turn, can help reduce the overall unemployment rate in the country.
Secondly, promoting young entrepreneurs helps to foster innovation and creativity. Young people often have fresh ideas and a different perspective on problems, which can lead to the development of new products and services that can benefit society as a whole. By supporting young entrepreneurs, Ethiopia can tap into this innovative potential and drive economic growth.
Accordingly, there are several ways in which young entrepreneurs can be supported to help them succeed in their business ventures. One key aspect is access to funding and resources. Many young people may have great business ideas but lack the capital to get started. By providing training, mentorship, and access to funding, young entrepreneurs can be given the tools they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Another important aspect is creating a supportive ecosystem for young entrepreneurs. This includes establishing networks, incubators, and accelerators where young entrepreneurs can connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from experienced mentors. By building a strong support system, young entrepreneurs can overcome challenges and grow their businesses more effectively.
Moreover, several industries in Ethiopia are experiencing growth and creating job opportunities for citizens. The manufacturing sector, especially in textiles and garments, is one of the fastest-growing industries, attracting foreign companies and creating thousands of jobs. The construction industry is also booming, with infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and airports creating a demand for skilled workers. Additionally, the technology sector is gaining momentum, with startups and IT companies providing job opportunities for young professionals.
Despite the efforts to expand job opportunities in Ethiopia, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the lack of skilled labor in certain industries, leading to a mismatch between job requirements and the available workforce. Additionally, issues such as corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and infrastructure limitations may hinder the growth of job opportunities in the country.
So far, the growing young job seekers in the country can benefit from the expanding job market by staying informed about the latest trends and opportunities in different industries. Networking and building connections with professionals in their field can also help in accessing job openings and advancing their careers. Continuous learning and skill development are essential to staying competitive in the job market and seizing new opportunities as they arise.
In sum, as the country continues to focus on expanding job opportunities and attracting investment, the future looks promising for the growing number of youth graduating from the country’s higher education institutions and seeking employment. With the right skills, determination, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges, job seekers can take advantage of the growing market and contribute to the economic development of this vibrant nation.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 12 JULY 2024
