I am delighted to be joining the Africa House as a Senior Advisor, including leading the charge on how African youth can be transformed into the global STEM and innovation workforce of the 21st century. It is estimated that by 2030 there will be more young people under the age of 35 on the African continent than in India and China combined. However, turning the largest college-age population and workforce in the history of the world into an opportunity for inclusive growth will not happen without an intentional, cross-sectoral movement. That is why we are delighted that 8b Education Investments is shaping this new initiative at the Africa House.
Chart by 8b.africa & JBB Partners. Data Source: World Bank (2024) Population Estimates and Projections
The 50 by 35 Initiative is an ambitious plan to unlock investments of $50 billion by 2035 in collaboration with partners building a world-class, future-ready global African workforce. The 50 by 35 initiative will aggregate, amplify, and connect commitments from cross-sectoral stakeholders building a human capital superhighway to link Africa’s global talent with world-class opportunities and jobs. The impact of 50 by 30 will be placing 2m young Africans at the top of the human capital pyramid, and changing the role of Africa in the global labor market by shifting the continent from the source of cheap, entry-level labor to a powerhouse of innovation, creativity, and economic dynamism for the world.
Given that 8B’s “why” is accelerating the transformation of African youth into the innovation engine for the 21st century – that is why do the work of facilitating African student access to fair education loans to enroll in US and global universities – the 50 by 35 initiative, this movement, puts our work in the broader picture.
Welcoming all fellow travelers to join us!
