Africa is undergoing a profound demographic transformation that holds the potential to reshape the global landscape. As of April, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous country, but it is Africa’s rapid population growth that demands attention. Once home to just 140 million people in 1900, Africa’s population has grown tenfold to over 1.4 billion today, making up a significant portion of the global population. This explosive growth, driven by decreasing mortality rates and high birth rates, has doubled Africa’s share of the world’s population, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
By 2050, the United Nations projects that Africa’s population will soar to nearly 2.5 billion, meaning more than a quarter of the world’s people will be African. Even as population growth begins to decelerate in the latter half of the century, Africa will remain the largest contributor to global population growth, with its share expected to reach close to 40 percent by 2100. This demographic shift is not merely a numbers game; it has the potential to drive significant economic changes, positioning Africa as a key player on the global stage.
The implications of this population boom are far-reaching. Five of the eight countries projected to account for more than half of the global population increase over the next three decades are in Africa. This surge in the working-age population across the continent could unlock a demographic dividend, leading to accelerated economic growth and increased geopolitical influence. As a result, African nations may emerge as new world powers, fundamentally altering the world order as we know it.
Source: IMF & United Nations
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