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Realizing the Demographic Dividend: Is Africa any different?

Author

Listed:
  • David E. Bloom

    (Harvard School of Public Health)

  • David Canning

    (Harvard School of Public Health)

  • Günther Fink

    (Harvard School of Public Health)

  • Jocelyn Finlay

    (Harvard School of Public Health)

Abstract

The demographic transition creates a window of opportunity during which economies may benefit from a temporary increase in the working age share of the population. While many economies have already enjoyed these benefits, they remain a promising opportunity for much of Sub-Saharan Africa. We show in this paper that Sub-Saharan Africa adheres to the same principles as the rest of the world with respect to the determinants of economic growth, including particularly the effects of demographic change. Assuming a policy and institutional context that is conducive to economic growth, most Sub-Saharan countries have the potential to reap a sizable demographic dividend.

Suggested Citation

  • David E. Bloom & David Canning & Günther Fink & Jocelyn Finlay, 2007. "Realizing the Demographic Dividend: Is Africa any different?," PGDA Working Papers 2307, Program on the Global Demography of Aging.
    • Handle: RePEc:gdm:wpaper:2307
    as

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    File URL: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/pgda/WorkingPapers/2007/pgda_wp23_2007.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    6. Sachs, Jeffrey D & Warner, Andrew M, 1997. "Sources of Slow Growth in African Economies," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 6(3), pages 335-376, October.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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