In this episode, Kevin is joined by Ola Farrag, CFYE Country Lead in Egypt; Safa Omrani, Operations and Communications Manager at New Silk Roads; and Marlou Rijk, former CFYE Technical Assistance and Learning Manager and now with MDF. Together, they unpack the gender gap in digital employment across the MENA region. The conversation dives into how targeted initiatives can help close this divide - and how digital jobs can open powerful new pathways for young women to access meaningful work, build skills, and shape the future of their communities, while driving positive change for the wider economy.

Africa’s green transition has the potential to tackle climate change while creating millions of jobs for young people. In this episode, INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, CFYE's Implementing Partner, ThriveAgric, and NABC unpack key insights from the CFYE-INCLUDE three-year research partnership, exploring how green and digital transitions can drive inclusive, youth-led employment across the continent. The conversation highlights what’s working, what’s holding youth back, and what’s needed to scale decent work, especially for young women.

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, education alone is no longer enough. A 2022 UNICEF report revealed that nearly 75% of young people aged 15-24 in 92 countries lack the critical skills needed for modern employment. So, how do we bridge this growing gap?

In this episode of 'Future Economies Start with Youth' - The Podcast, our host Kevin Eustatia, sits down with Paul Njuguna, CFYE's Senior Portfolio Associate for Kenya, to explore the impact of the skills mismatch on young people and economic growth, particularly in Kenya, while highlighting key partners in CFYE's Kenyan portfolio that help bridge this gap. Emily Waters, CFYE's MEL Manager, discusses how data-driven, youth-centered training programs are transforming lives by aligning skills with market demands. She dives into the role of gender, accessibility, and feedback loops in shaping effective programs, with real-world examples of how listening to young people—especially marginalized groups—leads to meaningful change. From VR welding in Kenya to innovative hospitality training in Egypt, this episode highlights practical solutions and success stories that are redefining how we prepare the next generation for the workforce.