Hosting some of the world’s poorest economies, West Africa faces acute challenges in relation to its demographic, educational and economic transformations. To shape policy recommendations, this research explores the puzzling relationship between unemployment and education to understand how this shapes education decisions for labour market entrants.
The challenge
Sub-Saharan African countries exhibit a puzzling pattern given their scarce human capital and the prevalence of self-employment: unemployment rates increase with education. Little is known about the expectations young workers in West Africa have about their labour market prospects (formal employment vs. self-employment, earnings) and how these expectations shape their job search behaviour and education decisions in the first place.
Solution
This project designs and runs a pilot survey on labour market expectations and job search behaviour of 80–200 labour market entrants in Cote d’Ivoire. The experience and findings of the pilot will inform the design of a survey on labour market expectations and job search in West Africa with the aim of applying for a larger grant. The overarching aim of this research project is to gain a better understanding of expectations of labour market entrants, their job search behaviour and labour market outcomes.
Outcome and impact
The insights gained can inform how to better design education and labour market policies in West Africa. This ambitious research project will generate state-of-the-art knowledge and will contribute to shape public policies based on evidence in some of the world’s poorest economies that are facing acute challenges in terms of their ongoing demographic, educational and economic transformation.
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Reduce inequality within and among countries
