INJAZ Al-Arab And Oliver Wyman Reveal Their Study On “MENA Youth Employment In The Private Sector”

INJAZ Al-Arab/ JA MENA, in partnership with Oliver Wyman took a look ahead into the future of the private sector by capturing the opinion of those who are most likely going to shape it – MENA youth. A survey was conducted across the region that gathers youth’s perception of the private sector, examines the skills gap, and captures their opinion on enablers of lifelong learning.

More than 2,400 youths between the ages of 16 and 36 from 17 MENA countries took part in the survey.It covered five main topics and gathered information on the youth’s perception on the private sector, future employment preferences, industries driving the private sector growth, examined the skills gap phenomenon, and captured their opinion on drivers of lifelong learning in their respective countries. Insights were also collected from the private sector with a total of six focus groups held in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, and Lebanon.

Both INJAZ and Oliver Wyman presented their findings at Innovation Arabia 13’s panel discussion on “Youth Employment in the Private Sector” that falls under the “Learning, Wellbeing, and Trust” track, given that a core part of the discussion revolved around skills for the future. The panel sparked dialogue about youth employment in the private sector regionally and ways it could drive regional transformation.

The panel hosted Jeff Youssef, Partner at Oliver Wyman, Razan Bashiti, CEO of INJAZ UAE, Rabih Haber, Head of HR, Europe, Middle East & Africa- MetLife, and Deema Al Alami, VP Arabic & Islamic, GEMS Education.

Commenting on the survey and fruitful partnership, INJAZ Al-Arab CEO, Akef Aqrabawi said, “For young people today, it is extremely important that they are well equipped with skills, knowledge, and sense of entrepreneurship to enter the workforce. INJAZ’s collaboration with Oliver Wyman will further allow us to tackle the issue of youth unemployment in MENA, as we are certain that the findings are of great benefit to multiple stakeholders and that our initiative reflects on their potential to impact policy reform, program creation, and educational institution transformation.”

Jeff Youssef, Partner at Oliver Wyman stated,” It is critical to capture the perspective of the youth and assess what they require to bolster the private sector of the future. We see a healthy inclination towards entrepreneurship, and a clear idea of what factors can facilitate lifelong learning. These are both indicators of their perception of the private sector, which is key to sustainable economic growth of their countries and the region. The youth are a key driver in the realization of economic stability, and we are proud to support INJAZ Al-Arab in helping the youth to fulfill their economic potential. “

INJAZ is a Knowledge Partner at Innovation Arabia 13; an exceptional platform that offers space for knowledge exchange and stands as a central engine and driving force for innovation and economic growth and development.

To access the survey, please visit https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2020/feb/mena-youth-employment-in-the-private-sector.html

INJAZ Al-Arab & Junior Achievement Worldwide

INJAZ Al- Arab/JA MENA is the regional operating centre of JA worldwide Operating in 14 countries across the Middle East and North Africa, INJAZ Al-Arab is the largest non-profit organization dedicated to overcoming unemployment in the region and aims to inspire a culture of entrepreneurship and business innovation among Arab youth.Partnering with leading companies in the private sector, INJAZ Al-Arab equips Arab youth to drive the economies of the Arab World forward through training designed to inspire them to develop ambition, entrepreneurship and professional skills.

Named one of the top 100 NGOs in the world by Global Journal/NGO Advisor since 2012, INJAZ Al-Arab has influenced the lives of over 3.5 million students since its inception in 2004. INJAZ Al-Arab is a member of Junior Achievement; the world’s largest and fastest-growing youth business organisation dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.