ABSTRACT
Population growth rates in Southern Africa are among the highest in the world. In 1960, there were only 43 million people living in the region. It is projected, however, that by the year 2050, the population will increase to about 350 million people. This poses enormous stress on natural resources, food production and infrastructure development. In detail, the countries of Southern Africa are differently advanced in the demographic transition from high to lower mortality and fertility rates. Countries that rank higher in the human development index like South Africa and Botswana have already experienced a decline in fertility and face less population growth, whereas women in less developed countries like Angola or Mozambique still have five to six children. The population in these countries will more than double until 2050. In order to catalyze the demographic and economic transition and to harness a demographic dividend, further investments into health and education systems are needed as well as the creation of jobs for the large and rising number of young adults.
