The population in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is projected to rise from 1.2 billion today to around 2.1 billion by 2050, comprising more than 20% of the world’s population with more than half under the age of 25. By 2040, Africa will have the largest population of under 25’s in the world. These demographic trends have profound implications for the continent and globally.
It is essential to urgently identify how to translate these demographic trends into a source of sustainable economic growth and development for the region. Planning and investment that lags behind sustained rapid population growth will make it difficult for development to get ahead of population increases. Planning and investment in policies to accompany the demographic shifts must be led by governments and the private sector, and supported by external partners.
This event will build on the momentum of the Heads of States Human Capital Summit held by the World Bank in Tanzania in 2023. Since that Summit, reporting on demographic trends has become increasingly sensitive. Misinformation and disinformation are confusing the conversation and complicating decision-making, making demography a contentious issue where it should be one that helps illuminate pathways to growth. This event will be an opportunity for regional governments and other experts to share perspectives and insights to develop evidence-based solutions on the best use of scarce resources for a collective agenda towards demographic dividends in SSA.
In partnership with
