In a bid to reduce the rising rate of youth unemployment in Africa, Job Xpress – a new internet-free SMS-based job application app has been launched by ForgetmeNot Africa.

The app allows mobile subscribers to send their resumes and job applications via phone regardless of the model.

According to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) recent report on unemployment in Africa, about 40 million African youths are currently unemployed; about 60 percent of the continent’s unemployed demography.

With the new app, ForgetMeNot Africa and its partners will be able to address the challenges posed by difficulties, time constraints and high cost of internet connection especially in cybercafés.

Speaking on the mobile application, ForgetMeNot Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy George said the app will help Africa turn its human capital into economic opportunities.

“The OECD’s research showed that a major concern for many young Africans is that jobs are only given to people with connections or relatives. Job Xpress helps to level the playing field by giving job applicants a direct method of application, and is a step towards tackling barriers to employment that currently affects young, bright and eager to work Africans,” he said.

Job Xpress is already gaining popularity in Africa. Recently, the app was adopted by Nigerian telecommunication giant, Glo Mobile whose head of mobile services, Salisu Saliu lauded the app developers.

“The app vitally helps young people in their efforts to get their foot on the first rung of the career ladder and is a contribution to reducing the dreadful levels of unemployment amongst young Nigerian people,” he said.

Image via biztechafrica.com