Thought Leaders: Addressing Youth Unemployment

Youth unemployment is a global issue. Economists estimate that up to 290 million 15 – 24 year olds are not participating in the labour market globally. In South Africa the problem is of particular concern given our youth dominated demographic, with almost 55% of people between 15 and 24 years old not working. To address this issue, the Youth Employment Programme was launched in 2016 as part of the CEO Initiative. This programme aims to place 1 million young people in paid one-year internships over the next three years and government is currently structuring employment tax incentives for companies participating in this programme.

We will hear from Colin Coleman of Goldman Sachs, co-leader of the Youth Employment Programme, who will expand on the programme and the incentives for business to get involved. We will also hear from Maryana Iskander of the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. Harambee have placed over 35,000 young high-potential work-seekers, currently locked out of the formal economy, in their first jobs. With 44,5% of youth aged 18 – 24 having an education level below matric, and an additional 36,9% with only matric in 2015, this kind of programme is much needed.

About the Speakers

Colin Coleman, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs Sub-Saharan Africa

Colin is head of the Investment Banking Division for Goldman Sachs Sub-Saharan Africa and head of their South African office. In 1996, he was named one of Euromoney’s World Top Ten “Financing Leaders for the 21st Century” and nominated as one of the World Economic Forum’s Global Leaders for Tomorrow. He is a member of the Board of Directors of both Business Leadership South Africa and the National Business Initiative and in 2015, he was named member of the Investment Banking Services EMEA Captains Group.

Maryana Iskander, CEO of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

Maryana is the CEO of Harambee since 2013. Previously, she served as the COO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America in New York, a US$1billion national operation, where she currently sits on the board of directors. She has also worked for consulting firms such at McKinsey & Co. and W.L. Gore & Associates and has a B.A. from Rice University, a M.Sc. from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

This event is by invitation only