Asifa Mengesha

How Africa could one day rival China

Ida, Emabet Tesfaye, Asifa Mengesha, Bashadou

Projections indicate Africa's population will reach 4.5 billion by 2100, yet studies suggest that expanding female education could peak and subsequently reduce this demographic while unlocking a 10% GDP boost through equal workforce participation. As Ethiopia leads industrialization via the Eastern Industry Zone and high-value horticulture, experts warn that diversifying into service sectors and modernizing agriculture with smart technologies are essential to overcome low productivity and chronic infrastructure deficits. Despite facing climate vulnerabilities and recent pandemic disruptions, the continent's transition toward democratic governance and strategic investment in energy and education positions it to become a primary global growth engine.