Youth represents an economic force that remains underutilized in Madagascar. Investing in education, health, and employment is a major challenge to transform the country’s demographic potential into concrete improvements in living conditions. The Demographic Dividend Profile Report, launched on October 23, 2026, in Antananarivo by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), highlights this opportunity.
With nearly two-thirds of its population consisting of young people, Madagascar possesses a demographic advantage capable of accelerating its growth. According to the report, this window of opportunity, which has been open since the 1980s, is expected to continue until 2090. However, this dynamic does not automatically guarantee economic development. It requires investments capable of transforming the youth into a qualified and productive workforce.
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Herinjatovo Ramiarison, recalled that the demographic dividend corresponds to the potential acceleration of economic growth when the working-age population represents a significant share of the total population. This evolution can foster wealth creation, provided that jobs are available and sufficiently remunerative.
For Malagasy households, the stakes are direct. Better access to education and vocational training can facilitate the integration of young people into the labor market. Similarly, access to healthcare and family planning contributes to the well-being of families and their ability to prepare for the future.
The report nevertheless highlights several obstacles: poverty, gender inequalities, limited access to quality social services, and low productivity in certain sectors. Households also bear a significant portion of health and well-being expenses, while young people and the elderly remain economically dependent.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-24 06:24:03 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/dividende-demographique-le-capital.html