While populations in many other parts of the world, such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Spain, etc. are on the decline, Africa’s population continues to experience acceleration and growth. Record shows that the total population of Africa was only about 397 million in 1973 and currently stands at a staggering 1.46 billion as of 1st August 2023 just in 50 years. Even though the growth trend is a concern and unstainable, a larger percentage of this population are youths, resulting in Africa’s unemployment challenge among the youths which has been the subject of so many debates in recent years because of its prevalence.
In Nigeria, for instance, the unemployment rate is often higher than the overall Africa’s average due to the country’s total population. According to reliable data, by demographics, over 60% of the population of Nigeria are youths. However, the majority of these youths are without gainful employment, and many of them are equally vulnerable and out of any significant social welfare system. This situation also exists in many African countries such as Namibia, Angola, South Africa, Morocco and Mozambique, to mention a few. To be honest, most African countries are dealing with youth unemployment.
Africa needs to see sport as a business and also a way to promote healthy and promising citizens. Sports, more importantly, is one of the easiest avenues for these youth to quit the unemployment path. It is important to note that with sports, the teeming youths can become athletes and be gainfully employed. Besides, with the growth of youths in sports, there will be more job opportunities and commercialization on the continent for companies, investors, talent scouts, agents, coaches, referees, trainers, sports analysts, media companies, facilities management companies, sportswear companies, and merchandisers. A pleasant sports environment will equally encourage partnerships between businesses and sporting entities such as what is visible with stadia bearing the names of companies and sponsorships deals with company logos appearing on athletes’ clothing and equipment and so on in developed countries around the world. Studies have shown that sports can provide a reduced risk of alcohol use, smoking, terrorism, criminality, and illicit drug use among young people versus those who do not indulge in sports.
That said, in the world today, it is quite challenging to estimate the exact number of sports or games around the world. There are around 200 sports that have international recognition through a reliable international governing body. Nonetheless, in the Olympics of 2012 there were 26 sports contested, increasing to 28 in 2016, and 33 in 2020 and the next Olympic Games in Paris 2024 are expected to have 40 sports according to records. Since the number of Olympics sport continue to increase, it is high time consideration is given to it in Africa. In fact most of these sporting events are seen as lucrative career options, and in most developed countries, so much effort and resources are channelled into it to engage youths. From a European perspective, sports-related employment represents a significant percentage of total employment on the continent. The amount of investment and cash that several sports stars earn around the world is mind-blowing. From football to tennis, basketball, motorsport, and boxing, to name a few. An excellent example from Nigeria is Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua Nigerian-born British boxer, who commands more than £30 million for every fight. This is apart from several endorsements he enjoys. While talents are essential, a lot of seriousness, concentration, and motivation need to go into it to become a great successful athlete. Therefore, for millions of African youths, energies can be channelled into mastering and pursuing careers in several sports, just like we have seen in the entertainment and the music industry on the continent. Without a doubt, it could lead to a strong sports culture and competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markets.
Admittedly, sport is a veritable outlet that can offer a proactive solution to youth unemployment in Africa. This is because sports skills can be learned, developed, and made a professional career, and it can provide a considerable positive impact. Nonetheless, for these to come into fusion, policymakers, sports associations, and the Government need to make decisive and responsive policies to encourage aggressive youth participation in sports and learning programmes. This will give the needed encouragement and guidance to sports interest and development in Africa. Besides, if a more professional approach is adopted in the sports industry, the Government, too, will benefit and generate consistent income. It can even provide a new source of national economic growth, and reduce sports tourism in developed countries.
In conclusion, sports can make a positive contribution in helping Africa’s labour numbers and in reduction of unemployment rate amongst the youth. It can also be an avenue to promote a healthier lifestyle amongst the teeming youths however Governments in Africa needs to develop sports policies and infrastructure particularly sports centres across cities where young people could come and improve their sports skills and become professional athletes. Therefore, I see a tremendous opportunity for African countries and their citizens if they can adopt these principles and begin to design rewarding systems around sports and create well-paying jobs for millions of young Africans to strive. Good Luck!
Image Credit: AP Photo/Christophe Ena
