African Heads of State and Government (HoSG) have adopted a Declaration on the Demographic Dividend that further emphasizes the importance placed on the continent’s efforts to increase investments in youth. It particularly addresses the question of how this important agenda will be taken forward beyond 2017.
As part of the set of conclusions from their 29th Ordinary Summit in July 2017, HoSG adopted the declaration [Assembly/AU/Decl.1(XXIX)] that acknowledges that “the success of Africa’s efforts towards harnessing the demographic dividend must go beyond 2017”. It further emphasizes the centrality of population dynamics, voluntary access to family planning and sexual and reproductive health in speeding up the demographic transition and calls for increased funding in these areas.
The 2017 African Union theme of the year is the first to be accompanied by a substantive roadmap that is intended to guide countries and regional economic communities on key milestones and deliverables needed to harness the demographic dividend. In order to ensure that these efforts carry on beyond 2017, HoSG also committed to annually report on the progress of implementation of the African Union Demographic Dividend Roadmap or AU DD Roadmap.
The decision also speaks to the need to ensure that all countries develop demographic profiles, country-specific DD roadmaps that are linked to country development plans among others. So far, according to information collated by UNFPA through Regional and Country Offices, at least 41 countries have conducted demographic profiles that would help decision-makers to determine the prime areas for investments.
The Chairperson of the African Union was also called upon to lead the call for a UN General Assembly Special Session on Demographic Dividend.
Overall this declaration, coming in the middle of the year, shows that African leaders are prioritizing investments in youth and are eager to take the needed steps that would help move Africa, a continent with over 60 percent of its population below 25 years, towards harnessing the demographic dividend. Whilst the political will is evident, there is still the need for all stakeholders to put hands on deck to help make this aspiration a reality. This includes understanding the commitments and key actions in the AU DD Roadmap and advocating for these to be fully implemented at country level.
UNFPA has been a strong advocate and supporter of AU’s efforts towards harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth by engaging with Member States and partners at the global, continental and national levels. The organization provides thought leadership on demographic dividend, technical and financial support within countries and engagement with various stakeholders including civil society. UNFPA currently sits on the AU’s Steering Committee coordinating the demographic dividend agenda and will continue working with all partners to ensure the noble commitments made around this agenda are translated into tangible action.
