For the second consecutive year, Peru is the first country in Latin America with the most young entrepreneurs between 18 and 34 years old, representing 54.3% in the first half of 2024; that is, 14.49% above the regional average, according to Alegra, the electronic accounting and invoicing software for entrepreneurs.
Likewise, a growth of 3.6% compared to the same period in 2023 is highlighted and this It would be a direct response to the increase in young people who neither study nor work in our country, a figure that today amounts to more than one and a half million.according to the latest report from the Institute of Economics and Business Development of the Lima Chamber of Commerce.
A response that encompasses various factors ranging from the permanent divorce between our educational system and the demands of the labour market to the lack of academic recognition and a salary below average.
“The educational offer does not communicate with the labour market. In addition, there is a reality that shows that even if you have a technical or university education, the market does not value it. That is why young people choose to generate their own income through entrepreneurship, even though this is a difficult path,” explains Alejandra Dinegro, researcher and labour specialist.
The worst wage claim in Latin America
The salary claim of Peruvians in the junior segment is the lowest in the entire region at US$535 per monthaccording to the latest report from Jobint, based on job boards such as Bumeran. While Chile has the highest salary claim with US$891. It is followed by Panama with US$763, Argentina with US$668 and Ecuador with US$546.
Dinegro points out that there is a downward trend in salaries and that in Peru we are below the regional average in terms of salaries for professionals; that is, for young people with technical or university training. In this sense, it would not be surprising if many of them consider entrepreneurship an attractive option.
Women lead entrepreneurships
Female entrepreneurship continues to predominate in our country, with a representation of 55.7%which shows moderate but constant growth. Along these lines, an increase of 1.5% compared to the first half of 2023 is revealed, according to Alegra.
Although this progress reflects greater inclusion and recognition of women, it is also a consequence of the high percentage of women within the group of young people who neither work nor study (58.5%), marking a difference of 17 percentage points with men.
For Dinegro, the fact that many women are now heads of household and young mothers would also affect their decision to generate their own income.
THE DATA
Reduction. Peru has the lowest percentage of entrepreneurs over 65 years old (4.5% participation), 0.5% less than 2023.
Upturn. We have the largest number of micro-enterprises in the region, with a representation of 91.38%
Source: Larepublica
Alia is a professional author and journalist, working at 247 news agency. She writes on various topics from economy news to general interest pieces, providing readers with relevant and informative content. With years of experience, she brings a unique perspective and in-depth analysis to her work.
