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The Global Center for Development and Strategy (G-CODEs) at KAIST co-hosted the “Jobs for Youth in Africa Knowledge Exchange” in Nairobi, Kenya, from March 3 to 5, 2026 (local time), in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, the World Bank Group, and the African Union. The event served as a policy dialogue platform to address youth employment challenges in Africa, bringing together approximately 200 participants, including government officials from more than 20 African countries, representatives from international organizations, private sector leaders, academics, and development partners.

Africa is expected to see its youth population double by 2050, while many countries continue to face high youth unemployment and widespread informal employment. The event marked the second in-person meeting of the Jobs for Youth in Africa Community of Practice (CoP), which was launched in Kigali, Rwanda in 2025. The workshop aimed to facilitate the sharing of policy experiences among member countries and to explore scalable models for youth employment initiatives. During the opening ceremony, Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports of Kenya, highlighted the critical importance of creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

The workshop featured discussions and field-based learning centered on the following key themes:

• Evidence-based youth employment strategies

• Innovation in employment systems through digital technologies and artificial intelligence

• Improving labor market outcomes through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Strengthening value chains and improving the business environment

• Field visits to youth employment programs implemented by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank

Professor Kyung-Ryul Park shared Korea’s experience in digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence during the session on “Innovation in Employment Systems through Digital and AI Technologies”. Professor Gayoung Park facilitated a Global Café session, where participants exchanged experiences and insights on youth employment projects across countries.

The event served as an important opportunity to strengthen international collaboration and implementation capacity for youth employment policies across Africa. A follow-up workshop is expected to take place early next year at the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) located in Konza Technopolis.