Guide for the formulation of national population policies geared towards harnessing the demographic dividend

Abstract

This methodological guide has been developed as part of the mandate of the Subregional Office for West Africa of the Economic Commission for Africa, aimed at promoting inclusive development by enhancing countries' capacity to incorporate demographic dynamics into their policies and planning. It is designed to assist African nations in formulating a new generation of national population policies that facilitate the realization of the demographic dividend, in line with the recommendations of the African Union Road Map on Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth, adopted in 2017. The guide offers a comprehensive gap analysis of existing national population policies, explains its purpose and relevance, and highlights key insights from guiding frameworks and principles. Based on this foundation, it outlines a step-by-step methodological approach to integrating demographic dividend-related considerations into national policies, ensuring they create the necessary conditions for leveraging demographic advantages effectively.