Africa Rising: Harnessing the Demographic Dividend

Author/Editor:

Paulo Drummond ; Vimal V Thakoor ; Shu Yu

Publication Date:

August 5, 2014

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Africa will account for 80 percent of the projected 4 billion increase in the global population by 2100. The accompanying increase in its working age population creates a window of opportunity, which if properly harnessed, can translate into higher growth and yield a demographic dividend. We quantify the potential demographic dividend based on the experience of other regions. The dividend will vary across countries, depending on such factors as the initial working age population as well as the speed and magnitude of demographic transition. It will be critical to ensure that the right supportive policies, including those fostering human capital accumulation and job creation, are in place to translate this opportunity into concrete economic growth.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2014/143

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

August 5, 2014

ISBN/ISSN:

9781498379878/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2014143

Pages:

22

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