The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region had the highest youth unemployment rate in the world in 2019, according to data published by the World Bank. While Qatar has recorded the lowest youth unemployment rate globally at only 0.4 per cent with its oil rich economy, strong labour force and the 2022 World Cup on the horizon, the MENA region also accounted for some of the highest rates worldwide in 2019. War-torn Libya suffered the worst rate in the region and registered as second highest in the world, with 50 per cent of the North African country’s youth unable to find or maintain jobs. With 42 per cent out of work, the occupied Palestinian territories have the second worst rate for youth employment in the region. In contrast, Israel’s youth unemployment stands at just seven per cent.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 12, 2020 07:30 UTC