"Over 200 million people in sub-Saharan Africa are aged between 12 and 24 ... In the West African region, available data shows that in 2005, in the age group of 15-19, the economically active population was 49% among women and 58% among men3. The absolute levels of unemployment, when considered in conjunction with the effects of underemployment and poor work conditions, indicate that there are severe economic adversities faced by this age group." (Quoted from paper)