(Chor-ching Goh and Andrew Dabalen – Brookings) Africa stands at a pivotal juncture: Between 2025 and 2050, the continent is set to undergo one of the fastest expansions of the working-age population in world history, with total population rising from about 1.4 billion today to as many as 2.5 billion by mid-century.2 Central to this surge are an estimated 830 million youth aged 15–353—an unprecedented concentration of young talent. Will this demographic dividend fuel transformation or deepen fragility? The answer lies in Africa’s ability to equip its youth with the skills, health, and education to compete effectively in a 21st century labor market. Only by investing in its youthful population will Africa claim a prosperous 21st century. This youth potential can only be unlocked when personal competencies are matched by state systems that provide stability, good governance, and an economy dynamic enough to create opportunities.
Investing in Africa’s growing young population for prosperity | Brookings
