By analysing data on the employment dynamics of young adults in 68 low- and middle-income countries, Céline Zipfel and co-authors show that a clear pattern emerges: the process of development entails a shift in the organization of labor from self-employment to salaried jobs. However, while country-level data suggest that Africa is on the same development path as other regions, young African adults are less likely to have a salaried job, especially when their cohort is large.

Drawing lessons from many evaluations and economic theories, Céline and co-authors thoroughly discuss policy priorities to address the lack of jobs available to young workers on the continent. For example, they explain how providing vocational training programs and subsidizing subsistence entrepreneurs could be ineffective in a context where demand for labor is low. Rather, policies focused on supporting firm growth and attracting foreign firms can help broaden the pool of salaried employment opportunities. Further, policies that facilitate workers' access to international markets, where salaried jobs are more easily available, could also be effective, especially now that certain services can be provided online without requiring physical migration.