Determinants of urban youth unemployment in Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Youth unemployment remains a pressing socioeconomic and developmental challenge in Ethiopia, particularly in urban regions undergoing rapid transformation. This study investigates the nature and determinants of urban youth unemployment in Sidama National Regional State, a newly autonomous region with limited prior research. Using a cross-sectional survey of 365 urban youth across seven towns, the study applies descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression to identify key influencing factors. Results show that age, gender, marital status, job preference, social networks, and access to training significantly affect employment outcomes, while education level and migration status are not statistically significant. The findings highlight persistent labor market mismatches, limited social capital, and inadequate training services as structural barriers to youth employment. By situating these insights within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8, SDG 4, and SDG 5, the study underscores the urgency of inclusive policy interventions. These include expanding skill-based training, strengthening labor market linkages, promoting youth entrepreneurship, and fostering gender-equitable job creation. The research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable urban development and youth empowerment in Ethiopia.