Economy

Childcare Holds the Key to Africa's Economy — Estimate Shows $172 Billion Could Be Generated by Lifting 23 Million Women Out of NEET Status

The report Africa Youth Employment Outlook 2026 points out that developing the care economy, including childcare, is the key to Africa's economic growth. 61% of young NEETs are women, with unpaid care work being the cause. Reducing the female NEET rate to match that of men could generate approximately $172 billion in economic impact.