Entrepreneurship Education as a Catalyst for Youth Employment and Sustainable Economic Growth

Abstract

This study examines the role of entrepreneurship education as a strategic mechanism for addressing youth unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth in the contemporary global context. Against the backdrop of rising joblessness, intensified by disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the research highlights how entrepreneurship education equips young people with critical competencies including innovation, opportunity recognition, risk management, and self-reliance. By synthesizing recent literature (2020–2025), the article explores the multidimensional impact of entrepreneurship education across secondary, vocational, and higher education systems, emphasizing its contribution to employability, self-employment, and enterprise creation. The study further analyses the linkage between entrepreneurial skill development and broader sustainability outcomes, including inclusive growth, social innovation, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings suggest that well-designed entrepreneurship programs not only reduce dependency on traditional job markets but also stimulate new venture formation, strengthen MSMEs, and enhance national competitiveness. However, the effectiveness of such education depends on supportive policy frameworks, industry collaboration, experiential learning approaches, and digital integration. The paper concludes that entrepreneurship education serves as a powerful catalyst for transforming youth from job seekers into job creators, thereby promoting resilient economies and long-term sustainable development. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Employment, Sustainable goal, Economic, Youth