Job Skills for 10,000 Youths in Cameroon.

Integrated Agricultural Association (IAA) is offering free business coaching and mentorshop to young people especially those in rural communities with limited opportunities and knowledge on technology. Undergraduate are guided on how to make career choices that matter, and how to create lucrative businesses that do not only thrive, but secure funding, grow and create local jobs. 

In Cameroon, the unemployment rate is 30% while that of underemployment stands at 75% (International Labor Organization’s 2013 report). It is worth noting that Cameroon has a population of over 30 million inhabitants and most of the people belong to the middle class. It may interest you to know that the working population of Cameroon is about 12million and only a little over 200,000 people work in the public service. With government being the highest employer, this implies that the other 18.8million people who are not government employed are a call for concern.

Most of the barriers to resolving the unemployment challenge in Cameroon includes: 1-the unprecedented economic crisis suffered in the 1990s 2-the educational system of Cameroon which focuses mainly on theories and abstract concepts with little or no training in technology and entrepreneurship, 3-lowquality jobs, 4-skills mismatch, 5-inadequate job matching, 6-the work experience trap, 7-lack of access to capital, 8-little or no entrepreneurship and business training, 9-limited youth participation, 10-social discrimination and corruption, 11-frustration and discouragement, amongst others.

It is no doubt that youth unemployment is one of the major challenges Cameroon faces today as thousands of young people find no opportunities after school. Without job opportunities after school, a majority of young find themselves in illegal migration and activities to make a better life.

Given the Cameroonian context, the promotion of agropastoral entrepreneurship, agribusiness, health and micro-business enterprises and innovation can create jobs and reduce rural exodus or illegal migration. Youth must be empowered with skills and capital including finance and equipment and tools to set up sustainable businesses to improve rural and national economies.

It is in this regard that IAA continues to pool resources and expertise to empower and support young people to progressively realize their potential and move out of poverty.

Make a one time donation or become our monthly donor today, with your support,  we can do more to improve young people's lives in Cameroon.

With gratitude!