In several African economies, recent macroeconomic performance reflects sustained growth rates without a corresponding dynamism in the labor market. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is increasing, sometimes reaching peaks above 5%, while formal employment stagnates. This divergence fuels a sense of disconnect between economic rhetoric and people's daily experiences, rendering growth indicators insufficient to reflect collective well-being on their own.

One of the main explanations for this paradox lies in the sectoral structure of economic expansion. The drivers of growth are often concentrated in capital-intensive activities, such as extractive industries, telecommunications, or large infrastructure projects. These sectors generate high added value but "mobilize relatively little labor over the long term," thus limiting their real social impact despite their growing weight in the national economy.

Technological transformation is exacerbating this trend. While automation and modernization improve business efficiency, they paradoxically reduce the demand for low-skilled labor. In a context of strong population growth, with millions of young people entering the workforce each year, this gap creates increasing social pressure. The conclusion is undeniable: the economy is growing without fully absorbing its available workforce.

The informal sector, while acting as a buffer, also serves as a "revealer of this jobless growth." A large portion of the working population survives on low-productivity, unstable jobs. While these jobs mitigate mass unemployment, they do not broaden the tax base or provide access to robust social protection. Consequently, the wealth generated does not translate into a proportional improvement in the workers' quality of life.

Public policies are struggling to correct this disconnect. Development strategies often prioritize attracting large investments at the expense of explicit job creation objectives. Furthermore, the mismatch between training systems and the actual needs of key sectors hinders the impact of growth. The territorial dimension exacerbates these imbalances, as centers of activity are concentrated in a few urban areas, leaving vast regions "on the margins of productive dynamics."

In light of these findings, the debate is gradually shifting towards the "quality of growth" rather than simply its pace. The challenge now lies in fostering more labor-intensive sectors, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthening the links between productivity and social inclusion. Rethinking economic priorities is essential if expansion is to truly translate into job opportunities and a lasting reduction in poverty.