2023 was a demographic tipping point for Africa’s youth. For the first time in recorded history, the continent now has the largest population of young people. Those born from 2010 to 2024, known as Generation Alpha, represent the future economic growth of Africa. They will enjoy a longer life expectancy than ever before and 65% of them will work in jobs that don’t exist yet. But how digital advances specifically AI are harnessed now to educate these young people will determine whether they are included in the digital revolution or left behind. How can the private sector and public stakeholders ensure that Generation Alpha in Africa taps into technology’s benefits for their future?
Some Projections in Figures! Projections by the United Nations reveal the global population is on track to hit 10 billion by 2055, with 95% of that growth happening in low and middle-income countries. The continent of Africa stands out, with its projected contribution of 57% (or 1.4 billion people) to this population explosion. Experts predict that the continent will continue to hold the title of “youngest region” well into the future, with a median age projected to hover around 25 years by 2100.
The continent’s youthful population is expected to reach a staggering 850 million by the year 2050, and by the year 2063, youngsters will account for half of its staggering 2 billion adults
in work. Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), underscored in an interview with TechAfrica News:
“Africa is a very youthful continent and that means there are a lot of power forces of innovation out there. We see amazing things coming out of the local ecosystem. The challenge is that most countries in Africa face some real constraints, whether it be financing availability, issues related to the regulatory environment, or other policies. So here’s the good news which is plenty of youthful energy and intelligence, and the less good news is we have to work those constraints.”
By investing in education and infrastructure, creating an environment that encourages innovation, and encouraging broader digital inclusion, Africa can lead itself toward a brighter digital future.
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