Hon. Bah Calls for Urgent Investment in Youth, Reproductive Health at Continental Conference

Hon. Modou Lamin B. Bah, National Assembly Member (NAM) for Banjul North, has called for bold and coordinated action to harness Africa’s growing youth population, warning that the continent risks missing a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” if urgent investments are not made in reproductive health and human capital.

Speaking at the 1st Continental Conference for Non-State Actors on the Demographic Dividend and Reproductive Health in Lusaka, Hon. Bah, who chairs NEAPACOH, highlighted Africa’s rapidly expanding youth population as both a major opportunity and a pressing challenge.

He noted that sub-Saharan Africa is home to the fastest-growing adolescent population in the world, with projections showing the continent’s population could reach 2.5 billion by 2050. However, he cautioned that the much-anticipated demographic dividend will not happen automatically without strategic investments in education, healthcare, and skills development.

Hon. Bah stressed that strengthening sexual and reproductive health services is critical to unlocking this potential, pointing to persistent challenges such as high maternal mortality, limited access to family planning, and inadequate healthcare systems.

He also underscored the importance of achieving global targets under Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health and well-being, while calling for increased funding, policy reforms, and the dismantling of harmful socio-cultural barriers.

The Gambian lawmaker further emphasized the role of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene systems in improving public health outcomes, urging governments and stakeholders to prioritize integrated solutions.

Calling for unity among governments, civil society, and the private sector, Hon. Bah urged stakeholders to adopt the forthcoming Lusaka Call for Action as a roadmap to accelerate progress, empower women and youth, and drive sustainable development across the continent.

“The future of Africa depends on the health, education, and empowerment of its youth,” he said, adding that decisive action now will shape a more prosperous and equitable continent.