The African continent is on the verge of undergoing a historic transformation, ushering in a new age of opportunity. Demographic transition in sub-Saharan Africa is set to produce the largest workforce in history within the next 25 years (UNDP, 2016). The predictions for what this transition will mean for the African population are hopeful: ‘If this period coincides with a broad-based and significant investment in human capital concentrated from youth to adulthood, along with opportunities in the labour market, the result is a boost in economic growth and prosperity for the population’ (UNFPA, 2019).

However, the key to peace and prosperity rests on unlocking the untapped potential of the African girl child, who is the foundation for the success of African families and the future of the African continent. The main ingredient for the success of Africa is an educated and empowered woman in full control of realising her economic, social, sexual and reproductive rights.

Since the late 1990s, scholars have speculated about the factors that explain the relationship between population change and economic growth. Researchers agree that what is vital is the change in age structure of populations as women have fewer and safer births later in life (Bloom et al., 2000 and 2007; Bloom and Canning, 2004),1 in addition to the characteristics and opportunities of the population, especially around education (Lutz et al., 2008), health and employment (Joshi and Schultz, 2007). Experience shows that supportive investments in the human capital of young people need to be made over time. Early phase investments facilitate the dividend whereas later investments maintain the dividend. The decisive factor is that the demographic dividend is directly linked to gender policies. This is common sense when one considers that working populations increase when women can productively enter the labour market (UNFPA, 2019). As the economic status of African women and girls improves, it has a ripple effect for entire families, communities and countries (UNDP, 2016).

Gender Gap and Steps Forward

Gender equality for women and girls is far from being achieved. Great gains have been made in achieving universal primary education. By 2014, reportedly all African countries had achieved parity in primary school education (UNECA, 2015).