Papua New Guinea's Youth Bulge: Strategy Aims for One Million Jobs by 2029

Papua New Guinea is experiencing a significant "youth bulge," with over 4.35 million of its 10.18 million citizens under the age of 18. This demographic trend presents both a potential "demographic dividend" for economic growth and a risk of social strain if not managed effectively.

Research from the National Research Institute highlights a strong correlation between youth unemployment and rising poverty, law-and-order issues, and eroding community cohesion. With nearly 40 percent of the population living below the poverty line, addressing youth unemployment is a generational imperative.

In response, the Marape-Rosso Government has launched the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES) 2025-2029. This flagship initiative, driven by a prime ministerial directive and administered by the National Youth Development Authority, aims to create one million jobs and livelihood opportunities for out-of-school and unemployed youth by 2029. The strategy will focus on sectors including agriculture, fisheries, tourism, arts and culture, labor mobility, small and medium enterprises, digital content, and the informal sector.

A key strength of the NYES is its decentralized approach. Instead of a top-down national program, the strategy is being implemented province by province and district by district through Joint Inception and Implementation Plans. This ensures that programs are tailored to local needs and that youth are registered for opportunities within their communities.