Did you know? The working age population in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase by 740 million by 2050, more than doubling from its current level of 630 million people. Yet African economies are already struggling to create well-paying, stable jobs, let alone address the looming demographic challenge. In a discussion with a dynamic entrepreneur and broadcaster from Ghana, Andrew Dabalen, the World Bank’s Chief Economist for Africa will answer questions from young Africans regarding the future of jobs on the continent, provide a survey of regional macro-economic trends, and propose paths for countries to deepen inclusive growth by providing more and better jobs.

This event will provide an update on the macroeconomic situation in African countries and investigate the central question that many are currently facing: How to keep ensuring a growth and jobs focus in the context of climate change adaptation in Africa? 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital technologies in African countries, and the latest Africa’s Pulse provides new evidence on how digital is enhancing the productivity of existing jobs and creating new jobs, for people of all skill levels and backgrounds. This is particularly important as the region looks toward economic recovery post-pandemic, and many Sub-Saharan African countries are making tremendous investments to advance digital adoption and build skills. Against the backdrop of a COVID-19 induced recession, African countries are weathering the economic storm better than expected and are poised for recovery, but the strength of this recovery depends on the reforms, policies, and investments that countries make now.   Hosted by Georja Calvin-Smith of France 24, join a panel of Africa’s distinguished ministers, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital space to discuss the future of work in Africa. They will touch on how governments can support digital transformation, discuss the macroeconomic outlook for the region and how ...

Young people are the drivers of Africa’s economy and future. With eleven million youth expected to enter Africa’s labor market every year for the next decade, now is the time for urgent action to build and nurture the region’s human capital.  The event focused on the future of Africa’s youth through the lens of inspirational youth leaders, policy makers, and civil society to collectively highlight the challenges, aspirations, and actions taken to help build the human capital of the next generation. It kicked off with a presentation of the “The Future is Me” video showcasing Africa’s youth and the future of the continent, followed by World Bank Vice President for Africa Hafez Ghanem’s announcement of the launch of the ambitious Human Capital Plan for Africa. His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho in the keynote address stressed why investments in human capital are essential for long term, sustainable economic growth, and urged everyone to ...

African economies are experiencing a range of unprecedented challenges to their growth, competitiveness and opportunities for investment. Led by Africa Investor CEO Hubert Danso, a panel of global experts will explore how African companies and banks can work with governments, the World Bank and international companies to attract investment and mobilize capital in order to build African brands capable of creating jobs and increasing the continent’s role and influence on the global economic stage.

This event will focus on avenues African policymakers can pursue to increase the benefits of economic growth for broad segments of their societies. Challenges to be discussed include the share of manufacturing in GDP, lower rates of employment creation, rapid urbanization of the continent, and difficulties in generating new sources of growth The event is co-sponsored by the Growth Dialogue and the World Bank Africa Region and will feature high-level policymakers engaging in a rich exchange of ideas and concrete policy options.