Population ageing in the small island developing states of Africa: trends and socioeconomic implications

Gideon Rutaremwa, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
William Muhwava, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Grace Chisamya, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Fidelia A. A. Dake, University of Ghana

Ageing of the population poses several profound impacts on every aspect of life. This phenomenon has been visible in the Small Island Developing States of Africa (SIDS) and is expected to continue in the next few decades as the SIDS are continuously experiencing one of the fastest ageing populations in Africa. In this context, SIDS in Africa including the Islands of Mauritius, Seychelles, Cape Verde, Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe have a unique demographic structure which is characterized by a large proportion of older persons. The aging profile of these countries presents a golden opportunity for research on aging and older persons in Africa as a blueprint for the rest of the continent. We posit that older persons in the SIDS in Africa are an important resource in the development process post-2015 and harnessing their potential for social economic development will lead to a second demographic dividend.