Prospects for Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa

October 24, 2019 | 13:30 h - 14:30 h

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Assefa Admassie (ZEF Senior Fellow & Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia)

Title: Prospects for Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Africa

Abstract: As mortality and fertility levels come down in Africa, the continent’s working age population is growing in relation to the number of young dependents. Therefore, Africa may expect a demographic window of opportunity, enabling it to capture a demographic dividend. The demographic dividend is the accelerated economic growth that may result from the demographic transformations and the shift in the age structure of the population.

A demographic dividend in Africa would contribute to the long term economic and social development of the continent. To maximize the potential benefits of the demographic dividend, Africa must continue to implement policy frameworks that prioritize health, education, and economic growth. Appropriate economic policies that promote growth will contribute significantly towards a job market that can absorb a large young workforce and give them productive employment. Policies that provide incentive to invest and save, that encourage trade and a flexible strategy for producing a well-trained workforce will yield stronger economies with greater employment and earning opportunities. Investments in basic infrastructure such as roads, transportation, and communication systems will create a supportive environment for Africa to capitalize fully on its demographic changes.

This paper attempts to examine the possibility of harnessing the demographic dividend in Africa. The paper first takes stock of the progress that has been accomplished on the continent in fertility transition, economic growth as well as social sector outcomes and policies. It then attempts to demonstrate the potential dividend that could be achieved in some African countries given the right policy interventions.