BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
EZULWINI – Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula urges African countries to deliberately invest in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) to unlock the potential of their youthful populations.
He made the call on 30 January 2026 at the ECSA-HC Regional Youth Summit held at Happy Valley Hotel in Eswatini. Speaking at the official opening of the summit, Minister Matsebula said the region is at a critical moment in its demographic transition, with a growing proportion of young people and working-age adults presenting a “time-bound opportunity.”
“Our region stands at a pivotal moment in its demographic transition. Many of our countries have a growing proportion of young people and working-age adults. This creates a time-bound opportunity. If young people are healthy, educated, skilled and productively engaged, we can accelerate economic growth and social transformation. If we fail to invest, the same demographic shift can deepen inequality, unemployment, and poor health outcomes,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that SRH is central to harnessing the demographic dividend, linking health to education, skills, and national prosperity. “When adolescents and young people can access accurate information and quality youth-friendly services, without stigma or barriers, they are more likely to stay in school, avoid unintended pregnancies, prevent HIV, and other STIs, and plan their futures. That is how we strengthen human capital, productivity, and national prosperity,” he said.
Minister Matsebula highlighted that young people are more than statistics, calling them “innovators, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and leaders in the making.” He encouraged multisectoral cooperation, stressing that governments cannot achieve the demographic dividend alone.
Dr Ntuli A. Kapologwe, ECSA-HC Director General, also addressed delegates, linking SRH to national growth: “Childbearing through access to contraception, she stays in school. When she stays in school, she gains skills. When she gains skills, she enters the labor market. When she enters the labor market, she contributes to the national growth. That is how demographic dividend is born, and it begins with the right choice.”
The summit brings together ministers, youth leaders, and regional partners to explore ways to expand youth-friendly health services, promote life skills, and ensure young people are equipped to participate in decision-making and economic growth.
Minister Matsebula concluded by urging young people to hold leaders accountable for implementation of policies that prioritize SRH, education, entrepreneurship, and innovation, calling on participants to move beyond dialogue toward actionable change.
“Your voices, your participation, and your demands for quality services will determine whether Africa’s youth become a powerful engine for inclusive growth or a missed opportunity,” he said.
