AD1079: Gabonese youth see their country as moving in the right direction – Afrobarometer

Report on Youth Socio-Economic Conditions in Gabon and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Socio-Economic Landscape and SDG Context

An analysis of Gabon’s socio-economic conditions reveals significant challenges and opportunities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The demographic and economic profile presents a complex picture for achieving sustainable development.

• Demographics: Approximately 50% of the 2.3 million population is under the age of 20.
• Urbanization: Over 80% of the population resides in urban areas, posing challenges for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Poverty: Despite considerable natural resource wealth, about one-third of the population lives in poverty, directly impacting progress on SDG 1 (No Poverty).

Challenges to Achieving SDG 4 and SDG 8

A critical disconnect exists between the educational system and the labour market, hindering progress towards SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). While youth literacy rates are high at 91%, youth unemployment is estimated at 37-40%.

Key Obstacles to Youth Employment

According to survey findings, Gabonese youth identify several primary barriers to securing employment, which reflect a misalignment between educational outcomes and market demands.

1. Inadequate practical training and skills.
2. A mismatch between educational qualifications and available job requirements.
3. A lack of sufficient work experience.

This skills gap is particularly evident in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and extractive industries, where companies report shortages of skilled labour.

Government Response and Economic Strategy

In response, the government and development partners have initiated programs aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation, in line with SDG 8 and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

• Entrepreneurship Promotion: Initiatives such as the World Bank-funded Investment Promotion and Competitiveness Project have been launched to support youth entrepreneurship through training and competitions.
• Economic Diversification: The current administration has prioritized diversifying the economy away from its heavy dependence on oil, a key strategy for sustainable economic growth under SDG 8.
• Youth Employment Focus: Youth employment is a stated priority for the government, which recognizes it as the most important problem to address, according to youth surveys.

Youth Perspectives on Governance and National Progress

Recent survey data indicates a significant shift in youth perceptions regarding governance and the country’s economic trajectory, which is relevant to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

• Government Performance: While assessments are mixed, they show enormous improvement compared to 2021, suggesting a post-coup surge in optimism.
• Economic Outlook: Positive assessments of the government’s economic performance have increased dramatically, with a nearly tenfold rise in the perception that the country is heading in the “right direction.”
• Future Optimism vs. Emigration: Despite widespread optimism for near-term improvement, over half of the youth have considered emigrating, primarily to seek better economic and job opportunities, highlighting persistent challenges in achieving SDG 8 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) at home.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article highlights several interconnected socio-economic challenges in Gabon, directly relating to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

   • SDG 1: No Poverty

     The article explicitly states that “about one-third of the population lives in poverty,” directly addressing the central aim of SDG 1 to end poverty in all its forms.

   • SDG 4: Quality Education

     This goal is central to the discussion. While the article notes high youth literacy rates (91%), it emphasizes a critical problem: a “mismatch between the heavily theory-based Gabonese education system and the needs of the labour market.” This points to a lack of quality and relevance in education, which is a key aspect of SDG 4.

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

     This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The core issue discussed is high youth unemployment, estimated at 37%-40%. The article also covers government priorities such as promoting entrepreneurship, private-sector development, and the “diversification of the country’s heavily oil-dependent economy,” all of which are fundamental components of SDG 8.

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     The article points to an inequality based on age. It finds that “while youth have more education than their elders, they are also more likely to be unemployed.” This disparity in economic opportunity between different age groups, despite higher educational attainment for the youth, is an issue of inequality that SDG 10 aims to address.

   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

     The article references the 2023 military coup and the new administration. The findings that “positive assessments of the government’s economic performance have skyrocketed” and that youth perceptions of the country’s direction have improved “almost tenfold” relate to public trust and perception of institutional effectiveness, which are relevant to SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the issues discussed, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • Target 1.2:

     “By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.” The article’s statement that “about one-third of the population lives in poverty” directly relates to this target of poverty reduction.

   • Target 4.4:

     “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.” This target is directly addressed by the article’s focus on the “mismatch” between education and market needs, the lack of “practical skills needed in key sectors,” and the government initiatives aimed at “promoting entrepreneurship” and providing training.

   • Target 8.5:

     “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people…” The high youth unemployment rate of 37%-40% shows a significant gap in achieving this target. The entire article’s focus on youth unemployment as the “most important problem” makes this target highly relevant.

   • Target 8.6:

     “By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET).” The high youth unemployment rate is a primary measure related to this target, indicating a large proportion of youth are likely in the NEET category.

   • Target 8.2:

     “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation…” The article mentions that “diversification of the country’s heavily oil-dependent economy” is a stated priority of the new administration, which aligns directly with this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Indicator for Target 1.2:

     The article provides a direct measure for Indicator 1.2.1 (Proportion of population living below the national poverty line) by stating that “about one-third of the population lives in poverty.”

   • Indicator for Target 4.1:

     The mention of “youth literacy rates are high (91%)” serves as a proxy for Indicator 4.1.1 (Proportion of children and young people achieving a minimum proficiency level in reading).

   • Indicator for Target 8.5:

     The article explicitly provides data for Indicator 8.5.2 (Unemployment rate, by age) by stating that “youth unemployment (estimated at 37%-40%).”

   • Indicator for Target 8.6:

     The youth unemployment rate is a key component of Indicator 8.6.1 (Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment or training). The high rate mentioned in the article implies this indicator is also high.

   • Implied Indicator for Target 16.6:

     While not a formal UN indicator, the article’s report on public perception—”positive assessments of the government’s economic performance have skyrocketed”—can be seen as an informal measure of progress towards Target 16.6 (Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels), as it reflects public confidence in institutional performance.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators
   SDG 1: No Poverty	Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions by half.	Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line (stated as “about one-third”).
   SDG 4: Quality Education	Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.	Implied indicator: Mismatch between educational qualifications and job requirements; lack of practical skills.
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including young people.	Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by age (youth unemployment is “37%-40%”).
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.6: Substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET).	Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (NEET) (implied to be high due to the high youth unemployment rate).
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification.	Implied indicator: Level of economic diversification away from oil dependency (mentioned as a government priority).
   SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age.	Implied indicator: Disparity in unemployment rates between youth and older generations despite higher youth education levels.

Source: afrobarometer.org