The Relationship between Education and the Labor Market in the Current Context of Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This research analyzes the relationship between education and the labor market for adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. The human capital theory is used to examine this relationship. This research used scientific literature, policy documents and interviews with representatives of different sectors. Difficulties in this relationship exist on both the side of education as well as on the side of the labor market. There is a mismatch between the supply of education and the demand of the labor market in the current context of Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, attention is paid to skills and the attitude which adolescents must possess when making the transition to the labor market. Further, attention is paid to initiatives that exist to improve this relationship. A case study of the NICHE program sheds light on this relationship and reveals how they link education and training to the demand of the labor market. It can be concluded that improvements in the relationship between education and the labor market are necessary. It is important that sectors collaborate in order to reduce the mismatch.