Africas Population: In Search of a Demographic Dividend

This book examines the promise as well as the challenges the demographic dividend brings to sub-Saharan Africa as fertility rates in the region fall and the labor force grows. It offers a detailed analysis that reviews and defines the various conditions that must be met in order for the region to take full economic advantage of these ongoing changes in its age structure.

Featuring essays from international experts from the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, the book presents a comprehensive review of demographic patterns and trends of all 48 sub-Saharan Africa countries. It also analyzes a range of socioeconomic policies as well as proposes strategic management tools to help guide policymakers.

As the book makes clear, the region will need to accelerate its demographic transition, in particular its fertility decline. Then the continent will need to foster human capital formation through renewed efforts in the areas of education and health. This will entail a true vision and determination on the part of African leaders and their development partners. All these efforts will help the region grow economically.

Will the continent benefit from a demographic dividend or will it face a social time bomb? This book provides an insightful answer to this important question. It will help readers gain a better understanding of the demographic trends and socioeconomic policies that can help bring economic opportunities as well as the problems that could occur should governments prove unable to fulfill the aspirations of the growing labor force.