Preparing for an Aging Africa: Data-Driven Priorities for Economic Research and Policy

Madeline Duhon, Edward Miguel, Amos Njuguna, Daniela Pinto Veizaga and Michael Walker

Journal of Political Economy Microeconomics, 2026, vol. 4, issue 3, 797 - 847

Abstract: The over 60 population in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to triple between 2020 and 2050. Yet few African countries have implemented policies to support older populations, and little research in economics has specifically examined aging in the region despite the need for evidence to inform the design of effective policies. This paper conducts original data analysis to characterize the challenges and opportunities facing older Africans and combines this with insights from a cross-disciplinary evidence review to identify four key facts and three paths forward for the design of health care systems, pensions, and other programs to prepare for an aging Africa.

Date: 2026
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