Addis Ababa, Ethiopia  23-2025 (ABN)

Africa – In a surprising labor market trend, data suggests that individuals with higher academic degrees are facing longer periods of unemployment compared to their less-educated counterparts. While advanced education is often seen as a pathway to better opportunities, many highly qualified graduates are struggling to secure jobs, raising concerns about the mismatch between education and market demand.

Experts point to several factors contributing to this issue, including an oversupply of degree holders in certain fields, a lack of practical skills, and slow job creation in knowledge-based industries. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates with technical skills and hands-on experience, leading to a growing preference for vocational training and specialized certifications over traditional academic degrees.

As African economies work toward bridging the gap between education and employment, policymakers and institutions must rethink curriculum relevance, entrepreneurship support, and industry partnerships to ensure that graduates are equipped for the evolving job market.