World Bank and Ghana Launch Ambitious Growth & Jobs Strategy to Employ Half a Million Youth Annually

In a landmark partnership, the World Bank and the Government of Ghana have unveiled a comprehensive Growth & Jobs Strategy designed to generate 500,000 new employment opportunities every year for young Ghanaians. The announcement follows high-level talks between Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations, and Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Strategic Focus on High-Impact Sectors
Central to the plan is directing investments into agribusiness, digital services, and light manufacturing—industries identified for their capacity to absorb large numbers of entry-level workers. The strategy leverages public-private partnerships to stimulate job creation, boost productivity, and diversify Ghana’s economic base beyond traditional commodities.

Market-Aligned Skills Development
A cornerstone of the initiative is an expanded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework, emphasizing digital literacy, coding, and entrepreneurship. By aligning training programs with employer needs, the plan aims to close the skills gap and accelerate youth employability in an increasingly digitized job market.

Economic Inclusion for Underserved Communities
To ensure equitable growth, the strategy includes microfinance facilities, business incubators, and mentorship schemes targeting women-led and rural enterprises. These measures are designed to empower marginalized demographics, foster local innovation, and promote inclusive economic development across Ghana’s regions.

“Our shared goal is clear: unlock the potential of Ghana’s youth and build a resilient economy that works for everyone,” said Anna Bjerde.

Dr. Forson echoed this commitment: “By focusing on both job creation and skills enhancement, we are ensuring that every young Ghanaian has a real pathway to meaningful employment.”

Implementation Roadmap and Support
The World Bank will provide $500 million in financing, alongside technical assistance for policy reform and capacity building. Key actions include:

• Labor Regulation Reforms: Simplifying hiring processes for startups and SMEs.
  
• Apprenticeship Expansion: Scaling work-based training linked to industry demand.
  
• Digital Job Matching: Launching a national platform to match candidates with vacancies in real time.
  

Why This Matters
With over 800,000 youths entering Ghana’s labor market annually and youth unemployment at 13%, the Growth & Jobs Strategy addresses one of the nation’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. Achieving its targets could reduce underemployment, curb brain drain, and stimulate broader economic growth.