Unlocking peer to peer employment growth

The COVID-19 pandemic has left thousands and, in some countries, millions of people jobless. However, this crisis also presents an opportunity to unlock peer-to-peer employment growth. Josh Adler, the Executive Director at Anzisha Prize, has been leading efforts to shed light on young entrepreneurs in Africa and their transition from school to entrepreneurship. This research aims to provide insights into how supporting young entrepreneurs can create employment opportunities, especially for their peers. By investing in very young entrepreneurs, who are more open to risk and resilience, more young people can find work through peer-to-peer employment. Many young entrepreneurs hire their peers, making this a logical solution to combat youth unemployment. This approach not only supports job creation but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among young individuals. Despite facing challenges such as lack of policy support and financial resources, young entrepreneurs have demonstrated the potential to drive economic growth and create substantial employment opportunities. Anzisha Prize, with a presence in over 40 African countries, aims to continue identifying and empowering young leaders who can serve as role models for others. By highlighting the success stories of young African entrepreneurs, the organization hopes to inspire and encourage more young people to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career path.