Eric Opoku says agriculture holds key to solving Africa’s youth unemployment crisis

Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku has identified agriculture as one of Africa’s strongest tools for addressing youth unemployment, arguing that greater investment in the sector could create millions of jobs and reduce poverty across the continent.

Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values on Thursday, June 4, the minister said Africa faces a growing employment challenge as millions of young people enter the labour market each year without corresponding job opportunities.

According to him, between 10 million and 12 million young Africans seek employment annually, yet only about three million formal jobs are created, leaving a significant number unemployed or underemployed.

Mr. Opoku warned that the widening employment gap contributes to social and economic problems, including migration, instability and insecurity.

He noted that poverty remains a major driver of conflict in many parts of Africa, making job creation an urgent priority for governments.

The minister said agriculture should be viewed not only as a source of food production but also as a strategic sector capable of generating employment, creating wealth and promoting social stability.

He explained that investment across agricultural value chains, including processing, storage, logistics, mechanisation, and agribusiness, could unlock substantial employment opportunities for young people.

Mr. Opoku cited estimates suggesting that a US$50 billion investment in Africa’s agricultural sector could create between 10 million and 20 million direct and indirect jobs.

He therefore called on governments, development partners and private investors to increase support for agriculture, describing the sector as a vital driver of economic growth and sustainable development for Africa’s growing youth population.