Lack of education and laziness have been described as reasons for unemployment among the youth according to two youth leaders who spoke to the Samoa Observer.

Marga Tenesio said there were job opportunities available but a large number of youths seldom took the opportunity.

“If you go on the Government circular, you will see all the employment opportunities there. If not the Government Ministries, there are also private companies who are also hiring," said Marga. 

"But at the end of the day, it’s really up to the youth whether to apply or not. In my view, there are opportunities but the youths of today prefer things handed down to them.

“But if they are too lazy to get a job, they can always use their skills and talents to earn a living. We see a lot of our youths putting their talents to good use. For instance, we see youths running their businesses or doing a side hustle different from their current employment. Sometimes it’s the laziness of our youth that causes them to be unemployed.”

Another youth advocate, Tony Ronald said opportunities were rare so when it comes around, the youth should grab it. 

"When I was in College my teacher always said, “Time and tide wait for no man or woman”. And that is so true, we need to grab every opportunity once we see it. They don’t come around twice," he said. 

"I think because some of our youths did not finish College or Uni, there is that lack of education to apply for a job. But I do encourage those ones to look out for courses at APTC just to have a bit of qualification to help them through. You can do anything you put your heart to."

According to statistics, unemployment rate in Samoa in 2023 was 9.75 per cent.