ABSTRACT
Demographic growth is predictable and manageable. In 2050, Africa is due to have 2.5 billion inhabitants with a median age of 24, leading to exceptionally high pressure on the job market. Sustainable economic growth requires the reduction of the fertility rate in order to accelerate the demographic transition. There are several preconditions for a drop in the birth rate: political stability and physical security, education – especially for women – and access to means of contraception. Beyond demographic planning, it is also important to be talking already about the means to channel these demographic “resources” towards employment and development. The chapter concentrates on the question of agro-industrial transformation and the responsibility of governments to identify existing corridors and supporting them to the best of their abilities. Agriculture should be the subject of renewed interest, notably to create production systems that manage resources better, use fewer inputs and create jobs while valuing and developing the skills of local farmers.
