The world is missing over 350 million jobs
Since 2000, more than half a billion jobs have been created in the Global South. Nevertheless, there is still a global shortage of over 350 million jobs, but this figure is set to decline sharply almost everywhere in the future. Looking ahead, it is important to create jobs that not only serve as a step out of absolute poverty, but also provide a good livelihood for employees and their families.
India is the country with the most job shortages: over 60 million. China follows in second place with over 30 million. Then comes Africa: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Madagascar, currently in the headlines due to political unrest, has by far the largest employment gap in percentage terms: 12 million people – equivalent to over 75% of the working population – do not have a job that earns them more than $2.15 a day. By 2050, the employment gap worldwide will still be almost 250 million. In addition to India and China, two countries stand out particularly negatively: according to projections, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar will still have employment gaps of over 20 million each in 2050.
Highlights 2025
Policy recommendations
What can Germany learn?
Job growth is the best way out of poverty and should be a key focus of German development cooperation. To achieve this, national governments must also prioritize jobs and thus economic development and entrepreneurship. Those that do so can become particularly rewarding partner countries.
2 min
Success Stories
What has Latin America and Asia done right?
In recent decades, countries in Asia and Latin America in particular have succeeded in massively reducing their employment gaps. This success was not down to chance, but rather to institutional conditions and a number of key growth drivers.
3 min
The champions of tomorrow
Where will the next 100 million jobs be created?
By 2030, more than 100 million new jobs are expected to be created worldwide—almost 20 million per year. With around 75 million, most of these will come from Africa, driven by massive population growth and economic growth. In aging Europe, on the other hand, employment will fall by 7 million if unemployment rates remain stable.
3 min
Focus on impact
Which countries can make the biggest jumps with support?
Development aid often focuses on the biggest problems, and rightly so. The Global Jobs Index reveals the greatest opportunities: Which countries have managed to significantly close the employment gap, and which ones could create the most jobs in the future with a little support? A look at the index reveals both familiar candidates and some surprises.
3 min