The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) have urged governments and stakeholders in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), to make strategic investments in young people, particularly in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), as a way of harnessing the demographic dividend.
ZANIS reports that speaking during a Multisectoral Consultative Forum on SRHR and the demographic dividend in Lusaka today, UNFPA Country Representative, Seth Brockman, said empowering young people with education, employable skills, governance and health services is critical for the region’s development.
“This week marks an exciting moment of co-creation and partnership as we collectively commit to advancing our continent’s future through its young population,” he said.
Mr Brockman noted that the forum is not merely a technical exercise but a milestone in shaping a regional SRHR investment framework for youth, adding that the insights gathered will guide national agendas.
“With over half of our population under the age of 30, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate growth and reshape development,” he said.
Mr Brockman added that the foundation of unlocking the demographic dividend lies in protecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people, especially adolescent girls.
SADC Director of Social and Human Development at SADC Secretariat, Duduzile Simelane, stressed the importance of building knowledge and sharing experiences on SRHR investment across the region.
Ms Simelane observed that many young people in SADC still face barriers such as lack of access to education, employment opportunities and comprehensive sexuality education, which limits their ability to realise their full potential.
“Without youth-friendly health services, family planning centers and comprehensive sexuality education, young people risk being deprived of opportunities to complete education and secure employment,” she said.
She emphasised that the demographic dividend is not automatic, but requires deliberate and sustained investments in human capital.
“Failure to safeguard the rights of our youth is not only a loss for individuals, but also a loss for Africa’s collective potential to reduce inequality and build prosperity,” she said.
