Harnessing the potential of livestock agribusiness to address Africa’s youth bulge through decent employment and enhanced food security in a disrupted global landscape

Africa’s youth bulge presents both a critical challenge and a transformative opportunity for sustainable development. With over 60% of the population under the age of 25 and youth unemployment averaging 33%, the continent urgently needs inclusive strategies that create decent jobs while enhancing food and nutrition security. Agriculture, employing nearly 65% of Africa’s workforce, offers a key pathway. Within the agricultural sector, livestock systems are underdeveloped despite contributing 30–40% of agricultural GDP and their potential to generate employment for the youth. This study examines how transforming livestock value chains, particularly in dairy, poultry, apiculture, and red meat, can harness Africa’s demographic dividend. It also highlights the crucial role of agro-processing in driving value addition, market diversification, and youth entrepreneurship. Findings show that animal-source foods remain critically under consumed across much of the continent, closely linked to persistent malnutrition. Agrifood systems continue to rely heavily on low-value primary production, with little engagement in agro-processing. National programs like Ethiopia’s Bounty of Basket Initiative illustrate how clustered livestock development can create decent jobs for the youth. At the continental level, initiatives such as the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works, which aims to create 30 million jobs by 2030, demonstrate how digital innovation, gender inclusion, and localized approaches can reduce unemployment while supporting agro-processing and circular economy practices. In a disrupted global landscape, re-orienting development agendas to unlock livestock’s multifunctional role is essential for achieving the global agenda for sustainable development.