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Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association to Host the Maiden Edition of the Africa Dialogue Series

Nigeria Economy	1102 VIEWS
Nigeria Economy
1102 VIEWS

Friday, December 04, 2020 / 11:00AM / HKSALUMNI Nigeria /Header Image Credit: HKSALUMNI Nigeria

The Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of Nigeria (HKSAAN), which is the representative organization for Harvard Kennedy School Alumni resident in Nigeria, is set to hold its maiden edition of the Africa Policy Dialogue Series (online). The Africa Policy Dialogue Series is aimed at enabling discussions around policy measures that would enhance growth and development in Africa.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum will deliver the keynote on the theme "Harnessing Africa's Demographic Dividend for Peace, Security and Productivity through Investments in Youth."

The online event will hold on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 10:00am - 12:00pm.

Africa has the youngest population in the world and according to the United Nations, 226 million youth aged 15-24 lived in Africa in 2015, representing nearly 20% of Africa's population, making up one fifth of the world's youth population. Africa's share of youth in the world has been forecast to increase to 42% by 2030 and will continue to grow throughout the remainder of the 21st century, more than doubling from current levels by 2055.

It's no longer news that our youth population can be a significant source of productivity and growth, if properly harnessed, just as it will present significant economic and social challenges, with grave implications for peace and security due to high unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and high rates of poverty. From the recent crisis in Nigeria as well as previous crises in Egypt, Tunisia, and Sudan, it has become clear that a youth population without opportunity can lead to political instability or even conflict.

Whether Africa's youth bulge will be an advantage or a source of instability will depend on the extent to which African Governments implement sound policies that will support growth in sectors that can absorb the growing youth population, such as agriculture and manufacturing. It is also vital that these policy measures enable greater investment in human capital and skills development for the youths to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.

The interaction will seek answers to the adverse conditions such as unemployment and under employment, lack of access to education, healthcare, skills development, and opportunities plaguing Africa's youth and their consequences for Africa's stability, development, and competitiveness.

The overall thrust of the conversations should be on the policy mix and interventions required to attract much needed investments that will improve the overall quality of life and opportunities for Africa's youth population.

For participation, kindly click HERE http://bit.ly/HKSAAN2020 to register. You can also submit your general questions to info@hksaan.org or through our VP, Communications, Mr. Innocent lsichei's email: Itisichei@gmail.com and mobile number 0812 918 1965