However, I am fully aware that unless an enabling environment is in place, the demographic dividend could well turn into a demographic nightmare. Most of the work done by UNFPA WCARO revolves around a clear focus - capturing the demographic dividend - which will kick-start the continent’s long-awaited economic boom. While African countries have all the resources required to move the demographic dividend forward, they need strong international partnerships. Many African countries have taken the responsibility of development in their own hands - through programmes that mirror the African Union’s Agenda 2063, among others. Demographic forces cannot be halted; they can either be steered to a bright new future, or they can overwhelm us all.

Source: The Star November 12, 2019 04:00 UTC