African governments, the African Union, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Population Fund have launched a seven-point Africa Demographic Compact aimed at transforming population growth into shared prosperity. The agreement was unveiled at the conclusion of the Demographic Futures Dialogue in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The compact focuses on investment in healthcare, education and employment, alongside improved population data, gender equality and sustainable financing. UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita says demographic change must become central to economic planning, with governments expected to translate commitments into national policies and budgets.