BBC News have today announced a week-long series exploring the steep incline in Africa’s population and the continent’s coping mechanisms.
The population of Africa is predicted to double to two and a half billion in just 30 years. On a continent where nearly two thirds of people are already under 25, this vast new baby boom has the potential to provide a huge pool of workers ready to transform African economies, or the potential tocreate an even greater migration problem.
BBC Africa Correspondent, Alastair Leithead, has been investigating the potential of this “demographic dividend” in a series of special reports from across Africa.
For a week, beginning Monday 21st August, BBC World News and BBC World Service will broadcast daily features within Focus on Africa, looking at matters such as the rapid urbanisation in Nigeria, the industrial revolution in Ethiopia, contraception in Niger and food sustainability in Kenya.
From Monday, more information can also be found on bbc.com/africapopulation, including a written in-depth analysis, a series of short videos and additional features.
A special documentary, Africa’s Population Explosion, will also broadcast on BBC World News onSaturday, 26th August at 5 pm and 10 pm
