A regional platform is expected to strengthen how countries monitor investments in health, education, employment and human capital as they work towards achieving the demographic dividend.

In Niger, Douramane Mariama, Director of Population at the Ministry of Population, Social Action and National Solidarity, identified data availability, reporting, and preservation as some of the challenges affecting effective monitoring.

She said the platform would improve indicator traceability, simplify reporting and strengthen monitoring of results.

In Benin, Houemenou Dominique said the platform addressed a long-standing need to monitor actions supporting the realisation of the demographic dividend.

He said the tool would enable Benin to better monitor and document interventions across sectors contributing to the demographic dividend.

”The pilot phase represents a step toward establishing a stronger regional mechanism for monitoring implementation of the African Union roadmap.

”It is ultimately expected to strengthen countries’ capacity to transform demographic change into investments, opportunities and tangible development outcomes for African populations,” the statement said.