Youth unemployment is an issue that keeps many African politicians awake. Though data unavailability and informal economic activity make estimates difficult, youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa are believed to hover around 30-50% (and even higher in parts of North Africa). The World Bank puts the figure at 38% in Nigeria, while the Economist projects 55% for young black South Africans. This is set against the backdrop of a fast-growing youth population, expected to double from a base of 200 million by 2045. Africa’s youth are at a crossroads, and today’s decisions will determine whether they become a demographic dividend or a ticking time bomb.