Harnessing the demographic dividend in Africa

With the lowest readings of human development indices in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa has a unique opportunity to leapfrog the development gap by investing in the education and health of its youth. The World Bank has partnered with the Tanzania government to discuss the policies and strategies needed to harvest the so-called youth dividend. CNBC Africa spoke with Mamta Murthi, Vice President at the World Bank, on the harnessing of the demographic dividend in Africa. The summit focused on the importance of human capital, which encompasses the skills, health, and capabilities of people in fulfilling their potential not just as individuals but as contributors to the growth of nations. The summit also highlighted the urgent need for political commitment and effective resource allocation to address the challenges facing the region's youth population. Mamta Murthi emphasized the necessity for increased investment in education and job creation to leverage the growing youth demographic for the continent's benefit. Notably, Africa is faced with the critical issue of poor learning outcomes, with nine out of ten children unable to read by the age of ten, underscoring the pressing need for educational reform. Furthermore, Murthi addressed the gender disparities prevalent in Africa, particularly in women's access to education, reproductive health services, and economic opportunities. The World Bank is actively supporting member states in sub-Saharan Africa to empower women and girls through targeted interventions focusing on education, reproductive health, and economic empowerment. By addressing these key areas, the region can unlock the full potential of its human capital and pave the way for sustainable development and inclusive growth.