Demographic Dividend in Sub-Saharan Africa: What Is the Gradient among All Factors in the Enabling Environment?

Zacharie Tsala Dimbuene, Université de Kinshasa and Statistics Canada
Tilahun Haregu, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Dickson Amugsi, African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC)
Jacques B. O. Emina, University of Kinshasa
Chimaraoke Izugbara, International Center for Research on Women

To reap the demographic dividend, a country should take major decisions, including those influencing change in the population structure. Previous research showed that change in population structure is the prerequisite to reap demographic dividend. The proximal factors mediating its effects built upon an enabling environment, encompassing health, education, economic policies, and governance. Assuming that all enablers are important, this viewpoint answers the following question: What should be the expected gradient among all factors in the enabling environment? We argue that governance, referred to as a strong leadership and a clear vision is the most important factor in the enabling environment. Without a significant shift in leadership in sub-Saharan Africa, countries should not expect miracles to achieve demographic dividend in SSA countries.