Population pyramids can be used to show change to age structure over time as well as projected changes to age structure in the future. Looking at Mozambique’s population pyramids, not much change to age structure is evident until “Mozambique 2030”.
Mozambique’s population pyramids from 1970 to 2010 look nearly identical. The lack of change between these pyramids means that the age structure of the country hasn’t changed much in the last 40 years, total fertility rates remain high and, in general, each working age adult supports several dependents. “Mozambique 2030” looks different than previous pyramids and is based on United Nations projections that assume a decline in total fertility to 4.0 children per woman over her lifespan. As a result, a slight narrowing of the base of this population pyramid is evident. “Mozambique 2050” shows a more significant narrowing of the base of the population pyramid. In this scenario, Mozambique would have a larger proportion of the population working-age and, if able to secure employment, able to contribute to economic growth.
Working Towards a Demographic Dividend in Mozambique
If Mozambique makes substantial investments in reproductive health and family planning, fertility levels may begin to decline more swiftly, and surviving children will be more likely to achieve better basic levels of health. With additional investments in health and education and economic initiatives to facilitate job creation, Mozambique may be able to experience the rapid economic growth known as a demographic dividend. There are a few organizations working on the topic of a demographic dividend in Mozambique.
- The Government of Mozambique, UNFPA’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, UNFPA Mozambique Country Office, and African Institute for Development Policy are working together on an application of the DemDiv model as well as a report on the demographic dividend in Mozambique.
- National Transfer Accounts project created a country brief on the subject of the generational economy and the demographic dividend in Mozambique.