Experts highlight Uganda's youthful population as a key driver of growth and transformation

As the world commemorates World Population Day on Thursday, Uganda's latest census figures reveal a burgeoning young population, which experts believe is poised to drive economic growth and transformation.

Preliminary data released last month by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, following the country's sixth census, show that Uganda has a population of 45.9 million people, with over 73 percent under the age of 30.

To harness this potential, the government needs to implement transformative reforms, according to local experts.

Fred Muhumuza, an economist and lecturer at Uganda's Makerere University, emphasized the importance of investing in quality education to unlock the full potential of the young population.

Pascal Muhangi, another economist and lecturer at Makerere University Business School, stressed the need for investment in human capital to ensure a healthy, well-educated population that can foster a skilled, innovative, and productive labor force.

Young people attend a digital training program provided by Huawei DigiTruck in the Katakwi District of eastern Uganda on Jan. 30, 2024. (Photo by Ronald Ssekandi/Xinhua)
According to the World Bank, increased government investment in education and health is essential for Uganda to reap the demographic dividend. This would ensure that the youthful workforce is healthy, skilled, and well-educated, enabling them to contribute effectively to the country's growth and transformation.

World Bank figures indicate that only one-third of Ugandan students complete primary education, and secondary school enrollment has stagnated at 30 percent for decades. Health coverage stands at 44 percent, falling short of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal's target of 90 percent for Universal Health Coverage.

Due to these gaps, a child born in Uganda today will only be 38 percent as productive as they could be if they received complete education and full health coverage, according to the World Bank.

Pupils participate in art drawing during a sports and art gala at Kasemeri Primary School in Moroto, northeastern Uganda, on June 20, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
Both Muhumuza and Muhangi argue that Uganda needs to bolster its export-led growth to boost foreign exchange earnings, which are critical for driving growth.

Muhumuza suggested focusing on regional markets instead of the traditional European and American markets, which are becoming more restrictive for African products.

Lessons from China and India show that a larger population can translate into a larger talent pool, contributing to a robust workforce and allowing countries to produce goods and services more efficiently, Muhangi said.

"A large population means a larger domestic market for goods and services due to increased demand. This internal market demand can drive economic activity and stimulate growth across various sectors, from retail to technology," Muhangi said.

https://missuperior.com/2024/07/experts-highlight-ugandas-youthful-population-as-a-key-driver-of-growth-and-transformation/