Sammy Gyamfi Says Africa’s Economic Future Hinges on Investing in Its Youth

Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi has urged African governments, businesses and the global diaspora to prioritise investment in the continent’s young population, arguing that Africa’s demographic boom could become either its greatest economic advantage or its biggest structural risk.

Speaking at the EMY Africa – Africa Rising Symposium in London, Mr Gyamfi framed Africa’s youthful population as a strategic economic asset capable of driving the continent’s next phase of industrialisation, innovation and productivity—provided policymakers expand access to jobs, finance, technology and entrepreneurship.

Quoting the Mastercard Foundation Africa Youth Employment Outlook 2026, he noted that Africa is home to approximately 532 million people aged between 15 and 35, with the youth population expected to continue growing well into the 2070s.

He warned that without deliberate investment in human capital, the continent risks turning its demographic dividend into a demographic liability marked by rising unemployment, forced migration, social instability and slower economic development.

“If we harness the potential of this youthful population, Africa becomes the world’s next great engine of productivity and creativity. If we fail them, what ought to be a demographic advantage may well become a demographic crisis,” Mr Gyamfi said.

The GoldBod CEO argued that Africa’s development challenge is no longer one of talent but of opportunity. While millions of young Africans possess the skills and ambition to contribute to economic growth, many remain excluded from productive employment due to limited access to capital, mentorship, technology and markets.

He called on African governments to strengthen policies that support enterprise development, innovation and skills training, while urging the diaspora to increase investment in African businesses, mentor young entrepreneurs and facilitate knowledge transfer to accelerate private-sector growth.

Norvan Insight

Mr Gyamfi’s remarks underscore a growing consensus among economists that human capital is becoming Africa’s most valuable economic resource. With the continent expected to account for a significant share of global labour force growth over the coming decades, sustained investment in education, digital skills, entrepreneurship and access to finance will be critical to improving productivity and attracting long-term investment.

Failure to create sufficient economic opportunities for Africa’s expanding youth population could constrain growth, weaken fiscal stability and intensify migration pressures. Conversely, policies that unlock youth employment and enterprise could position Africa as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions over the next half-century, transforming its demographic expansion into a powerful engine of inclusive and sustainable growth.