USAID/Guinea Youth Assessment Situational Analysis Report

Like other African nations, Guinea has one of the youngest populations in the world with more than 62 percent of the population aged below 30. Youth in Guinea face various challenges that limit their ability to fully participate and benefit from development efforts. In a society where age commands respect, Guinean youth are marginalized from decision-making. Young people work largely in the informal sector. Urban youth are particularly aware of far higher standards of living in neighboring countries where young people enjoy high-speed internet, shopping malls, sports facilities, and other modern conveniences. Disaffected youth represent a reservoir of easily mobilized “anger” that may lead to civil unrest and manipulation of young people who are turned to violence as a means of political negotiation.

As USAID starts re-aligning its programs and partnerships to support more locally-led development and achieving self-reliance in Guinea, it is critical to understand the status and role that youth can play in this process. Therefore, to inform the next version of Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025, YouthPower Learning, at the request of USAID/Guinea, conducted a youth assessment that identifies opportunities for a more strategic engagement of youth in shaping Guinea’s journey to self-reliance.