This short paper concentrates on employment and unemployment issues in Algeria. In a first part, the economic context is presented, from an historical perspective. It underlines that the country’s economy relies excessively on hydrocarbons, which contributes to large economic distortions and has negative impacts on the creation of stable jobs in productive sectors. The second part analyses the labor supply and demand, and the intermediation role of ANEM, the National Employment Agency. Considering labor markets, there is a lack of reliable statistics, the scope and the quality of data on labor supply and demand must definitely be improved. In particular, there is a strong need for a better assessment of the importance of the informal sector, including so-called work at home. Available statistics underline the vulnerability of young generations and women. The role of ANEM is important; however, its performances could still be improved. The third part overviews the roles and impacts of development programs and key-institutions involved in job creation. Here also, improvements are needed. In addition, there is a need for better data and adequate methodology to assess the performance of these institutions.
Table of Contents
1. Economic Context
a. Voluntarism and Economic Development
b. First oil shock, debts and adjustments
c. High energy prices and energy rents
2. Evolution of employment and unemployment in Algeria
a. Supply of labor
b. Demand for labor
c. The intermediation role of ANEM
d. Labor market flexibility
3. Employment policies and related institutions
a. Macroeconomic programs
b. SMEs promotion institutions
c. Evaluating and comparing actions
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines employment and unemployment dynamics in Algeria, specifically focusing on the economic context, labor market features, and the efficacy of public job creation programs. The central research question explores how historical economic dependence on hydrocarbons has influenced job creation and the effectiveness of current government-led employment initiatives.
- The impact of oil-dependent economic history on industrial development and labor demand.
- Structural challenges in the labor market, including informality and youth vulnerability.
- The institutional role and performance of the National Employment Agency (ANEM).
- Evaluation of state-led support programs like ANSEJ, ANGEM, and CNAC.
Auszug aus dem Buch
Youth unemployment
The age structure of the unemployed underlines youth vulnerability. In 2010, youth (with an age in the range 14-24) unemployment reached 21.5%, which is three times higher than the corresponding rate observed for adult generations (with an age above 24). Here also, the situation does not improve overtime. For young women, the unemployment rate reached 37.6% in 2010, which is twice higher than what is observed for young men.
Summary of Chapters
1. Economic Context: This chapter provides a historical perspective on Algeria's economic development, highlighting the country's excessive reliance on hydrocarbons and the resulting structural distortions.
2. Evolution of employment and unemployment in Algeria: This chapter analyzes trends in labor supply and demand, discussing the informal sector, demographic shifts, and the intermediation role of the National Employment Agency (ANEM).
3. Employment policies and related institutions: This chapter examines the roles and impacts of state-led development programs and key institutions established to foster job creation and entrepreneurship.
Keywords
Algeria, employment, unemployment, hydrocarbons, Dutch Disease, labor market, ANEM, youth unemployment, informal sector, SMEs, ANSEJ, ANGEM, CNAC, public policy, economic development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The paper focuses on the structural issues surrounding employment and unemployment in Algeria, specifically within the context of an oil-dominated economy.
What are the central themes of the document?
Key themes include historical economic strategy, labor supply and demand characteristics, the informal sector, and the evaluation of government-led employment support institutions.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to understand why, despite significant financial resources from oil revenues, the country struggles to generate enough stable jobs, especially for youth, and to evaluate the effectiveness of current institutional interventions.
Which scientific methods are employed in this analysis?
The paper utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing official statistics, IMF reports, and existing scholarly literature to assess labor market policies and socioeconomic outcomes.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the historical economic context, a detailed breakdown of labor market dynamics (including gender and age dimensions), and a critical overview of institutions like ANSEJ, ANGEM, and CNAC.
What are the primary keywords associated with this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Algeria, employment, labor market, hydrocarbons, and job creation institutions.
What role does the informal sector play in the findings?
The informal sector is identified as a significant part of the labor market, with the paper suggesting that a substantial portion of employment growth in recent years is linked to informal "work at home," which complicates accurate unemployment statistics.
How effective are the institutions like ANSEJ and ANGEM?
The study notes that while these agencies provide essential micro-loans, they face critiques regarding slow procedures, high job-creation costs, and the fact that their performance and sustainability data remain controversial.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Daniel Linotte (Autor:in), Khaled Menna (Autor:in), 2012, Employment and Unemployment Issues in Algeria, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/203741
