Abstract
This study explores the factors shaping the aspirations of youths in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Malawi, specifically focusing on their academic goals, STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) career interests, and migration intentions. This study draws on a robust dataset comprising 2,725 youth respondents aged 15-25 years, collected through high-frequency phone surveys (HFPS) conducted as part of the World Bank's Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS). Exploring the aspirations of youths in Sub-Saharan Africa is crucial, particularly given that by 2050, half of the region's population is expected to be under 25 years old. Our findings highlight significant gender and age disparities across youths, with female youths aged 15-18 showing higher educational aspirations than their male peers. However, their aspirations decline and become lower than those of male youths when they reach 19-25 years old. Conversely, male youths aged 15-18 and 19-25 report higher career and migration aspirations than their female peers. Additionally, educational background emerges as a pivotal factor influencing aspirations. The analysis shows that youths without formal educational degrees are less inclined to aspire to higher educational, career aspirations or to migrate. Moreover, family and community role models, along with individual attitudes, may contribute to shaping the aspirations of youths in these three countries. In conclusion, building upon our findings, this paper formulates a comprehensive set of policy recommendations. These recommendations aim to align the skills and aspirations of youths with the prevailing labor market opportunities, ultimately working towards the reduction of youth unemployment and underemployment rates across these countries.