DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND IN AFRICA

By: Moses Ekwere Nigeria

19

"ACCELERATING THE RECOVERY FROM THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) AND THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT LEVELS"

Understanding Demographic Dividend

Demographic dividend is the positive economic growth that can result from changes in a country’s age structure, particularly when there is a larger working-age population relative to dependents. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the world, with Africa being one of the most affected regions However, as we navigate the road to recovery, it is crucial to recognize the potential of the demographic dividend as a catalyst for sustainable development.

According to the United Nations, Africa has the largest youth population in the world, with over 60% of its population under the age of 25 This presents a unique opportunity for the continent to harness the potential of its young people and realize the demographic dividend.

Phases of demographic transition and its relevance

The three phases of demographic transition are the pre-transition phase, the transition phase, and the post-transition phase.

During the pre-transition phase, both birth and death rates are high During the transition phase, death rates decline due to improved health care, while birth rates remain high, leading to a youthful population In the post-transition phase, both birth and death rates are low, leading to an aging population.

West Africa is currently in the second phase of the demographic transition, which is characterized by a decline in mortality rates while fertility rates remain high This interprets to a rapid population growth in the region. The transition from the second to the third stage of demographic transition in West Africa will require sustained investments in healthcare, education, and economic development to promote smaller family sizes and sustainable development

The youthful population In Africa presents an opportunity for economic growth through increased productivity, entrepreneurship, and investment in human capital. According to the United Nations, Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, reaching 2 5 billion, with over 60% of the population under the age of 25 West Africa is a prime example of a region with significant potential for a demographic dividend Countries in the region, such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, have experienced a steady decline in fertility rates over the past few decades, leading to a shift in the age structure of the population This shift presents an opportunity for the region to invest in its youth, particularly in education, health, and employment, to enable them to become productive members of society and contribute to the economic growth of their countries.

The potential benefits of demographic dividend are illustrated by the experiences of countries like China, India, and South Korea, which have experienced significant economic growth and development by leveraging demographic dividend.

Community development Projects

Community service projects can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals by addressing specific challenges faced by communities and empowering individuals to contribute to their communities’ development.

In 2021, we put up a team together and founded an initiative known as “100x SMARTER” Which aims to provide basic school materials to primary school students who lack access to these materials. The project aims to Improve access to education and reduce barriers to learning faced by disadvantaged students. Most areas within the south south region of Nigeria, FCT, South East Region of Nigeria and Accra –Ghana has benefited from the project

The project has faced challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of resources, and limited community participation, but has overcome most challenges through partnerships with local organizations, community engagement, and creative solutions 100x SMARTER has been successful in improving access to education and reducing the dropout rate among primary school students in the region

Conclusion and Recommendations

Realizing the demographic dividend in West Africa requires concerted efforts from governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for investment in health infrastructure and social protection systems, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children Furthermore, efforts to improve the quality of education and skills development programs, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), can equip young people with the skills needed for the modern economy Community service projects/initiatives can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals by addressing specific challenges faced by communities and empowering individuals to contribute to their communities’ development. To replicate the success of 100x SMARTER initiative, there is a need for partnerships with local organizations, community engagement, and creative solutions to overcome challenges

The youth have a crucial role to play in leveraging demographic dividend and achieving sustainable development goals in Africa.

References:

African Union Commission. (2017). Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth Retrieved from https://au int/sites/default/files/documents/34385-docharnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth e web.pdf

United Nations (2017) World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision Retrieved from https://population un org/wpp/Publications/Files/WPP2017 KeyFindings pdf

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. (2019). Demographic Dividend in West Africa: Regional Overview Retrieved from https://www uneca org/sites/default/files/PublicationFiles/dd-west-africaoverview en.pdf

United Nations Population Fund (2014) The Power of 1 8 Billion: Adolescents, Youth and the Transformation of the Future Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/EN-SWOP14-Report FINAL-web.pdf