West and Central Africa will add 200 million children by 2050, but many will die young

Between 2025 and 2050, over 200 million children will be born in West and Central Africa, adding significantly to the region's population. However, almost 10% of children in the region currently die before age five, and nearly one-third are stunted, which means their future job prospects are already at risk.

The World Bank is highlighting a demographic shift that will reshape the global workforce. If current health trends continue, a massive generation of young people will enter adulthood with significant disadvantages. This report frames health investment not as a social good, but as a direct economic necessity for future development.