Africa’s growing population: An Asset or a Liability

Africa’s population is growing at a staggering rate. Currently, one in six people in the world live on the African continent. According to the United Nations, by the year 2050, Africa’s population is projected to balloon to 2.5 billion people. In other words, one in four people globally will live on the continent. While regions like Europe have practically stopped growing, Africa’s population growth shows no signs of abating.

There are many factors accounting for this phenomenon. Advances in health care and technology have drastically curtailed infant and child mortality rates. It is important to celebrate and welcome these gains. They serve as a testament to Africa’s socio-economic progress. Nonetheless, a booming population also presents challenges.

Some have argued that African countries lack the adequate resources to effectively manage the coming population explosion. Also, adequate food production could be adversely affected by Climate Change. A vibrant and youthful population presents a “demographic dividend.” However, it also brings challenges like food and housing insecurity. For example, resource extraction or removal is expected to increase, which could lead to serious environmental issues.Unemployment and strain on resources are additional concerns. In other words, a large youthful population provides a massive pool of labor. They can power economic growth if they are gainfully employed.

Each year, approximately ten million young people enter the labor force in Africa. There is tremendous pressure to create millions of jobs. Unfortunately, the current labor or employment environment is woefully inadequate. These are legitimate issues of concern and must be at the forefront of policy discussions. There are challenges with a rapidly growing population. However, it can also be a great opportunity to spearhead the continent’s socio-economic transformation. African countries need the right political leadership and environment. This way, they can create the conditions to turn a potential demographic catastrophe into a demographic dividend.

One of the ways to do this is to allow the free movement of people, goods, and services. It is a great folly for African countries to continue to cherish artificial boundaries. These boundaries or barriers were set up by colonial governments to serve their parochial interests. Allowing free movement of people, goods, and services is crucial for tackling the issue of high youth unemployment. This is a significant problem affecting the continent. The youth unemployment rate of about 10% is astonishingly high. Africa is the world’s “youngest” continent, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 25. Hence, as the continent continues to grow, the demand for jobs is bound to increase.

The free movement of people, goods, and services offers tremendous benefits. It enables people to find job opportunities in other regions of the continent. In other words, workers from other countries with limited job opportunities can temporarily move to where labor is in demand. Free movement of people must be coupled with specialized training skills and infrastructure development.

Africa’s growing population could become either an asset or a liability. This will ultimately depend on the continent’s ability to cope. It must also effectively tackle these challenges through effective policies. The continent can make strategic investments in agriculture, education, technology, healthcare, and sustainable infrastructure. This approach helps to harness its demographic potential for economic growth. Alternatively, it may face political and social unrest if these challenges are not adequately and holistically addressed.