Preparing for an Aging Africa: Data-Driven Priorities for Economic Research and Policy
Journal of Political Economy Microeconomics · 2025 · Madeline Duhon、Edward A. Miguel、Amos Gitau Njuguna、Daniela Pinto Veizaga、Michael Walker
Abstract
The over-60 population in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow rapidly in the coming decades, tripling between 2020 and 2050. Despite this explosive projected growth, few countries in the region have implemented policies designed to support older populations. Further, little research in economics has specifically examined aging in Sub-Saharan Africa, though many opportunities exist for economists to generate research evidence to inform the design of effective policies in this area. This paper conducts original data analysis to characterize the challenges and opportunities facing older Sub-Saharan Africans, and combines this with insights from a cross-disciplinary evidence review to identify four key facts and three paths forward for future economic research and policy around the design of health care systems, pensions, and other public support programs to prepare for an aging Africa.