Demography and the development potential of Sub-Saharan Africa
Demographic developments in Sub-Saharan Africa clearly underlie all other trends in the region. The paper Demography and the development potential of Sub-Saharan Africa, written by Bo Malmberg at the Institute for Future Studies, illustrates the current demographic trends and features of the region. Population change in Sub-Saharan Africa is a recent example of developments characterising a region that is now halfway through the demographic transition from high death and birth rates. The application of this transition approach in the paper shows that the current situation is not unique compared to recent developments in other regions of the world. Trends in life expectancy, fertility and infant mortality and both urban and rural population growth are analysed.
Developments related to child dependency rates, migration, social unrest and effects of HIV/AIDS are also considered in depth.
We encourage you to read the paper and to react! Raise questions, propose priorities and put forward challenges concerning the demographic trends, as well as any relevant issues or aspects that are not covered by the study. Is the author painting a correct picture? What should Swedish positions be?
Any general ideas, comments and questions not related to demography can be raised in the general discussion.
Contact
Rethinking AfricaSecretariat of the New Government Comunication on Africa Policy
+46 8 405 52 92
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