Demographic Dividend in Sub-Saharan Africa – Toward Mitigating Social Inequality? A Critical Analysis of the Enabling Environment

Abstract

In spite of young populations, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is lagging behind on several development indicators. Yet, previous research introduced the concept of “demographic dividend” to showcase how a country can capitalize on its population age structure to boost its economic growth, which could ultimately mitigate social inequality. To reap the demographic dividend, a country should implement major and drastic policies, including those necessary to shift its population age structure. Indeed, demographic studies showed that change in population age structure is the prerequisite to reap the demographic dividend. The proximal factors mediating its effects built upon the “enabling environment,” including policies in health, education and economics, and governance. Of course, enablers are all important; however, this chapter answers the following question: What should be the gradient among all factors in the enabling environment? The main argument is that governance, referred to as strong leadership and an enlightened vision, is the most important factor in the enabling environment. Without a significant shift in leadership in sub-Saharan Africa, no miracles could be expected and, likely, most SSA countries will not reap demographic dividend.