These are the conclusions of the High-level Symposium on Demographic Dividend and Africa’s Development.

The Symposium provided space to share knowledge and experiences, networking and constructive exchanges among high-level eminent person and opinion leaders, policy makers and the participants. Most noteworthy is the inter-generational dialogue that took place during the symposium between young people and the high-level policy makers and opinion leaders, which allowed them to share their concerns with the eminent personalities who will hopefully influence policies and decisions that will translate to more strategic investments in young people to harness demographic dividend in Africa. 

The Symposium brought together high-level opinion leaders and policy makers across Africa, including five former Heads of State and Government (H.E. Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, H.E. Karl Auguste Offmann of Mauritius, H.E. Armando Emilio Guebuza of Mozambique, H.E. General/Dr. Yakubu Gowon of Nigeria, H.E. Aminata Toure of Senegal), Prime Minister of Senegal (H.E. Mohammad Boune Abdallah Dionne), representative of the President of the Organization of African First Ladies, His Royal Highness (HRH) Yahaya Haliru, the Emir of Shonga (Nigeria), 2011 Nobel Peace Laureate and SDGs Advocate Leymah Gbowee and several distinguished researchers youth leaders and Ministers.