Adolescents are a key demographic group in Sub-Saharan Africa. They represent a significant share of the population in the continent, and their numbers are projected to grow significantly in the coming decades. It’s also a critical stage in a person’s development. So, investing in adolescents' well-being, education, and empowerment is crucial for building human capital, fostering economic growth, and achieving sustainable development in Africa.
Girls face unique challenges compared to boys, including early marriage and pregnancy. Empowering them girls is pivotal in solving some key development issues. To do so, it's important to understand the specific challenges and opportunities that adolescent girls face in the region.
Estelle Koussoube, an economist at the World Bank, unpacks the research and data on adolescent girls in Western and Central Africa.