Harnessing Demographic Dividend in Sub-Saharan Africa: Policies and Technology Imperatives for Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Olukunle Omotoso, Centre for Communications Programs
Oluwatosin Ige, TCI
Taiwo Johnson, Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programs

Background: By 2050, the global population will reach nearly 10 billion, with Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the highest growth rates. Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to lead this growth, presenting a unique opportunity to harness the demographic dividend. Strategic investments in family planning, health, education, open economies, and governance are crucial to achieving this potential. Method: This study reviewed policies and technologies using open-access sources, focusing on four key areas critical to demographic dividends: family planning, health and education, economic-openness, and governance. Results: From 2000 to 2023, Nigeria and the DRC experienced below-average GDP growth rates (below 4%). No statistically significant differences (Using Mann-Whitney U test) between Nigeria and the DRC in terms of GDP growth rate, school enrollment, and health expenditure. Both countries allocated less than 18% of their budgets to health between 2005 and 2021, and inadequate labor force participation has offset potential gains. Absence of recent national censuses/population data also impedes effective policymaking. Conclusion: Nigeria and DRC must leverage technology to enhance workforce productivity through digital-education and STEM. Immediate action in policy reforms, technological inclusivity, and closing the digital divide is essential to realize the demographic dividend before the window of opportunity closes.

Keywords: Population and Development, Population Policies, Population projections, forecasts, and estimations, Census data

See extended abstract.