Africa’s Youth: Unlocking Economic Growth through Sustainable Investment in Human Capital
Introduction
Africa is young, vibrant, and full of potential for rapid economic growth. The continent’s young people, as the most connected generation in history, hold the key to unleashing greater productivity and propelling Africa’s economic trajectory. However, for this potential to be realized, it is crucial that African youth are healthy, educated, and skilled. The recent African Human Capital Heads of State Summit highlighted the importance of investing in human capital and presents a timely opportunity for action.
The Significance of Africa’s Youth
By 2075, one out of three people of working age will be African. Unlike other regions, Africa’s workforce is expected to continue growing in the coming decades, with a projected increase of 450 million in the working-age population by 2035. This demographic dividend, combined with quality education and relevant skills, presents Africa with a tremendous opportunity to accelerate economic growth and achieve greater prosperity for billions of people on the continent.
The Need for Investment in Human Capital
To achieve sustained and accelerated growth, similar to what has been witnessed in East Asia, African countries must invest in their human capital. This includes investing in knowledge, skills, and health throughout people’s lives. However, African countries face significant challenges exacerbated by conflict, COVID-19, and climate change. Overcoming these challenges requires integrated and collaborative efforts.
The Learning Crisis in Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to battle a learning crisis. The region has the highest rate of out-of-school children in the world, with over 100 million children affected. Even those in school are falling behind on key learning indicators such as reading, writing, and basic math. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is projected to further increase the percentage of 10-year-olds unable to read and understand a simple text to nearly 89%. Addressing this crisis is crucial for breaking cycles of poverty and unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
Investing in Africa’s Young People
As leaders, we have a window of opportunity to invest in Africa’s young people by improving their health, nutrition, and education. Collaboration with the private sector is also essential to connect youth with more and better job opportunities, making them an engine for inclusive and sustained economic growth. This investment is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and unlocking Africa’s enormous economic potential.
Promising Examples and the Path Forward
Several countries in the region are already making efforts to improve education and skills training with promising results. For example, Tanzania’s BOOST Primary Education Learning Program focuses on improving education quality for 12 million students, particularly girls and marginalized groups. Nigeria’s Edo State has enhanced its digital education system, creating virtual classrooms and training teachers. The Africa Centers of Excellence Project (ACEs) delivers quality higher education training that fulfills employers’ skills requirements. Scaling up and replicating these efforts, tailored to specific contexts, is crucial.
Accelerating Progress through Policies and Funding
Accelerating progress requires sound policies, coordination, and robust funding. Governments should implement effective strategies for learning recovery, with increased investments in education, skills, and job creation to boost productivity and incomes. It is essential to use funding effectively and efficiently, measuring success by stronger services and a healthier, more skilled population capable of creating and taking on jobs of today and the future.
Collaboration for Success
Addressing the challenges and accelerating human capital progress in Africa requires strong country and regional commitment, collaboration with development partners, and leveraging the private sector’s potential. The recent Africa Human Capital Summit, which brought together leaders from 43 African countries, resulted in commitments outlined in the Dar es Salaam Declaration. These commitments prioritize investing in people to reap a demographic dividend and strengthen Africa’s human capital.
Conclusion
Accelerating action in building Africa’s human capital is an urgent priority. The continent’s future depends on it. By investing in the next generation today, Africa can transform towards greater prosperity on a livable planet. It is crucial to align these efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
- Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
- Indicator 4.1.2: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
- Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.
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SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.
- Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education. | Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex. Indicator 4.1.2: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. | Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources. | Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals. |
Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:
– Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
– Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
– Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
– Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
– Indicator 4.1.2: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: blogs.worldbank.org
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