A hard look at the growing job gap for young people in developing nations

Experts gathering in Washington this week have more on their minds than the current Middle East conflict—even though the fighting there could slow down the world’s economy. A much bigger worry is the fact that, over the next fifteen years, developing countries will need to create 1. 2 billion jobs just to keep up with young adults entering the workforce. At the current pace, these economies will only produce around 400 million jobs. That leaves 800 million positions unfilled, a gap that could lead to serious problems like illegal migration and instability. The challenge feels overwhelming because crises keep popping up one after another. The COVID-19 pandemic, recent economic shocks, and the ongoing Middle East war have made it hard for leaders to focus on long-term fixes. Still, some officials argue that now is the time to act before the problem gets even worse. They point out that simply connecting people to electricity, clean water, or stable jobs could make a huge difference in preventing future conflicts.One key idea being discussed is how to make it easier for businesses to grow and hire in developing countries. Rules around permits, taxes, and trade can slow things down, so governments are being pushed to simplify these processes. Leaders also see opportunities in sectors like tourism, small-scale farming, and local manufacturing—areas that don’t rely too much on global trends or outsourcing. These fields could offer steady work even as technology changes the job market. Private companies in places like India and Nigeria are already stepping up by expanding their operations. But even their efforts won’t be enough without support. The World Bank and its partners are pushing for more private investment, especially in areas that don’t depend on foreign trade or big tech advancements. The goal is to build momentum—like a snowball rolling downhill—that gathers enough speed to close the job gap. Another focus is clean water access. A new push aims to provide safe drinking water to one billion more people, adding to past efforts to bring electricity to 300 million households in Africa and improve healthcare. These changes won’t solve everything, but they could help stabilize societies and give young people a real chance to build better lives.