In light of worsening economic crises in low- and middle-income countries, youth unemployment is emerging as a central factor in the rise of interpersonal violence and political instability especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the world’s youngest population. Youth make up 60% of the unemployed on the continent, leaving many vulnerable to involvement in gang activity and anti-government protests.
Against this backdrop, a retrospective study was conducted using trauma data from Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi between 2008 and 2018. The study examined over 87,000 trauma cases, with 30,532 (35%) resulting from interpersonal violence. Findings revealed that victims of violence were generally younger (median age 28) than those with accidental injuries (median age 30). A notable proportion of violence victims were unemployed (23.6% compared to 17.9% of others), with most incidents occurring at night and often involving alcohol consumption.
Statistical analysis showed that being unemployed increased the likelihood of suffering interpersonal violence by 25%. Youth aged 15–24 were 72% more likely to be victims compared to individuals over 45. Nighttime incidents were more than twice as likely to involve violence.
Malawi among the poorest countries globally serves as a mirror for many other sub-Saharan nations. Here, youth unemployment is not merely an economic issue but a key driver of social unrest. The study strongly recommends prioritizing youth employment initiatives, not only to curb unemployment but to help safeguard national stability.
The research underscores a deeply intuitive truth: where there is widespread joblessness particularly among young men violence often follows. Addressing this issue demands more than security measures, it calls for integrated economic and social development strategies.
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