Description
Abstract
The phrase demographic dividend was coined by David Bloom to analyze the economic boom in East Asian countries between 1965 and 1990. The demographic dividend is currently being hotly debated among academic scholars and policy makers as to whether it is a bonus or a mirage for sub-Saharan African countries. Hence, this study examines the potential of harnessing the demographic dividend in subSaharan Africa, considering the region’s youth population growth. Methodologically, a scoping review was conducted to map the existing evidence on subject matter. A total of 30 studies were identified and analyzed in this review. The study reveals the importance of providing adequate job opportunities to unlock this potential for economic growth. To fully maximize the demographic dividend, empowering women and girls through improved health, education, family planning, and decision-making is crucial. Failing to tap into this potential could lead to missed opportunities or even social and economic upheavals. Despite challenges such as unemployment and migration, the youth in the region remain hopeful and resourceful. To harness this demographic dividend, the study highlights four key policy areas: female education, reproductive health services and family planning, women’s empowerment, and good governance. Focusing on these areas can help sub-Saharan Africa unleash the full potential of its demographic dividend. Conclusively, in order to fully utilize the potential benefits of the demographic dividend in the region, it is crucial to overcome the obstacles and optimize the opportunities through the implementation of supportive policy interventions.
Keywords: Bottlenecks, Prospects, Supportive policy interventions, Demographic dividend, Sub-Saharan Africa
