Mayor Dada Morero unveils bold strategies to curb youth unemployment in Johannesburg, spotlighting digital skills, green economy, and township development at the 2025 Future of Jobs Summit.
In a passionate and data-rich address at the 2025 Future of Jobs Summit, held at DP World Wanderers, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, declared the city’s youth unemployment crisis an “economic emergency” and laid out an ambitious roadmap to tackle it head-on.
The summit, hosted under the G20’s T20 initiative—South Africa’s official think tank platform—brought together business leaders, policymakers, and youth advocates to confront one of the country’s most urgent challenges: employment for a generation on the edge.
“This is not just a social issue—it’s an economic alarm bell”
Mayor Morero painted a sobering picture of the current state of affairs. Nearly half of Gauteng’s labour force is jobless, and Johannesburg, despite contributing significantly to the national GDP—R6.97 trillion—is not immune.
“More than 60% of Joburg’s 5 million residents are under the age of 35,” Morero said. “Almost half of them can’t find meaningful work. That’s a recipe for instability and stagnation if not urgently addressed.”
The Four Pillars of Youth Empowerment
Morero unveiled his administration’s four-pillar strategy aimed at reversing youth unemployment trends:
- Digital Economy and 4IR Skills
The city aims to create 2,000 high-tech jobs by 2026 through a digital public infrastructure plan, leveraging AI. A standout project is the Global Business Services Centre in Alexandra, where 90% of employees are youth. In partnership with Business Process Enabling South Africa (BPESA), the city plans to train 30% of unemployed youth in coding, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. - Green Economy and Infrastructure Development
With a R3.03 billion investment in historically underserved areas like Diepsloot, Soweto, and Eldorado Park, the city is focused on creating immediate jobs while laying down long-term infrastructure. Morero also revealed a R296 million electrification programme which includes training youth in renewable energy systems. - Township Economy Activation
Citing the Joburg Market, which handles R1 billion in produce monthly, the mayor stressed the need to redirect spending back into local communities. “Currently, 90% of the spend goes to large commercial farmers, draining R500 million out of poor communities,” he lamented. - Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
The mayor committed to fostering a more robust support system for young entrepreneurs through access to funding, mentorship, and integration into existing economic frameworks.
Strategic Partnerships & Presidential Support
Morero underscored Johannesburg’s role as a key implementation hub for national initiatives. Highlighting the Presidential Support Package launched in March 2025, he emphasized the city’s Service Delivery War Room as a central node for delivering employment solutions across sectors.
Business as Unusual
He urged the private sector to redefine youth employment not as a CSR checkbox, but as a strategic business imperative. “Partner with us not just because it’s the right thing to do—but because it’s smart economics in a city where youth dominate the consumer base,” Morero challenged.
Looking Forward: A Vibrant, Inclusive Joburg
Mayor Morero closed his keynote, titled “Empowering Johannesburg’s Youth: Building a Vibrant Future,” with a rallying cry for unified action across government, civil society, and the private sector. He framed youth employment as the cornerstone of a sustainable, thriving Johannesburg.
“We are not just building jobs—we are building futures, families, and a city that works for all,” he concluded.
Quick Recap: What to Expect Next
- 2,000 tech jobs by 2026
- 10,000 youth trained in digital skills
- R3.03 billion invested in underserved townships
- Renewable energy training as part of R296m programme
- New focus on township economy and local produce markets
Also read: Lesufi Relaunches Nasi Ispani with 32,000 Jobs for Gauteng Youth
