Why is there so much hype about Africa’s growing population? In spite of the serious problems caused by low fertility and aging, the United Nations is still set on reducing fertility in Africa and Asia at all costs, citing environmental reasons.

It is true that while an expanding population poses challenges, it can also be a positive force. The question therefore is not curbing the rising population but rather being creative on how to turn the population into a productive force that will solve societal problems.

My stay in Paris has enabled me to look at the world in a different way. The economy in BRIC(S) countries is rapidly growing. China has a population of 1,338.2 billion people; India 1.188.9 billion people; the United States 309.6 million people; Indonesia 235.5 million people (the two are non-BRICS); Brazil 193.3 million people and Russia has 141.9 million people. South Africa, recently invited to form a fifth nation in the BRIC(S),  has a population of 49.3 million people only.

In Africa, Nigeria has 154.7 million people; Egypt 83 million; Ethiopia 82.8 million; Congo Kinshasa 66 million;  South Africa 49.3 million; Tanzania, where I come from, has a population of 43.7 million people; Sudan before the separation in July 42.3 million people and  Kenya 39.8 million people.

With the decline in population and fertility rates in most European countries and the increase of senior citizens, Africa’s growing population will surely be an important resource to fill the youth vacuum in European nations. Seeing the dilemma that Europe faces, Africa should guard against falling in the trap of being forced to reduce its population without knowing the intention behind this hype.

Who is not aware of the Chinese taking control of the world economy? They have widely spread. They are well informed, courageous, ready to learn new languages (in this case Swahili in Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania) and know where money is. It is with no doubt that Asia remains the largest human reservoir, holding more than 60 percent of the world’s population. They are moving out to look for more work and investing back at home.
 
The African population growth which seems a “threat” if well nurtured is the future investment. It will open different opportunities both locally and internationally. Being the fastest growing continent on the planet with a GDP growth rate of five per cent, Africa has great hope and prospects for the future.

Ensuring that African people become an asset for growth and not a challenge ought to be a priority.

By Frederic Meela SJ.

A Tanzanian doing his studies in Paris-France.