My journey through the LGT Impact Fellowship programme mirrors the experiences of millions of young people in South Africa and around the world: navigating uncertainty while hoping for a better and secure future. Youth unemployment remains one of South Africa’s most pressing socio-economic challenges, with 9 million young people neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET). This crisis leaves millions, despite their best efforts, unable to secure meaningful work opportunities, adversely impacting their mental health, self-esteem, and sense of dignity.

The obstacles to meaningful employment are deeply complex and interconnected, spanning slow economic growth, limited access to quality education and skills development, and systemic barriers such as exclusionary hiring practices and insufficient job creation within the formal sector. Addressing these challenges requires bold, collaborative action—a mission that Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator (Harambee) is tackling head-on through its innovative programmes and strategic partnerships across various sectors in South Africa and Rwanda.

Harambee is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to bridging the gap between first-time job seekers and employers through an innovative mobile-based network called SAYouth.mobi which forms part of the “Presidential Youth Employment Intervention”. By partnering with government, the private sector, and civil society, Harambee is breaking the barriers to youth employment, one work opportunity at time and changing the lives and perspectives employers and young people. To date, it has supported over 4 million young people, offering training and skills development programmes to enhance employability and prepare them for the workforce.

One of the highlights of my time at Harambee has been contributing to the behind-the-scenes preparation for the Solutions Exchange, the organisation’s flagship event. The 2024 theme, Solving Together for Scaled Impact, reflects the event’s ongoing mission to accelerate and showcase solutions that transcend sectors. Now in its 8th year, the Solutions Exchange continues to foster a unified national effort to tackle the scourge of youth unemployment. This year’s event set an ambitious target: unlocking 1 million new earning opportunities by 2026.

The greatest reward from this year’s Solutions Exchange was leaving with a renewed sense of hope, hope that, whether as individuals or within larger organisations, we do not have to wait for solutions to emerge. Instead, through incremental actions and purposeful collaboration, we can actively create and drive the solutions needed to address these challenges, building a better future together. It is imperative to embrace the unknown, take bold steps, and chart a path aligned with our values and goals.

My fellowship journey has reaffirmed that tackling youth unemployment is not only a critical priority but also an achievable goal when we work collectively. True to the meaning of Harambee in Swahili, “all pull together”; I have seen how unity and collaboration can drive meaningful change. Through the efforts of organisations like Harambee and transformative platforms such as the Solutions Exchange, I have witnessed the immense power of teamwork and innovation in addressing systemic challenges

It is always a privilege to engage with young people and hear about their aspirations and dreams. The young individuals I have met through Harambee have consistently demonstrated discipline, creativity, and a deep desire to improve themselves and uplift their communities. What they urgently need are opportunities to showcase their talent and potential—and to be fairly rewarded for their contributions. I have witnessed, time and time again, their active role in shaping a future where opportunities are accessible to all.

My journey ahead, like that of many young people, will undoubtedly come with its challenges. Yet, as I look beyond the fellowship, I am filled with gratitude and pride in the work I am part of. With hope as our guide and collaboration as our strategy, I am confident that Harambee in collaboration with key stakeholders can transform uncertainty into opportunity and make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of young people across South Africa and beyond.

– Joshua Kibirige, LGT Impact Fellow for Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, South Africa