Africa is the world's fastest urbanising region with an exponential growth of its youth population. By 2050, the Sub-Saharan part of the continent will count more than 1.3 billion working-age people. The favourable demographic dividend trend in the region is often presented as an asset, and it is a unique one. But how can we apprehend the issue of African youth when we situate it in the broad perspective of the making of modern African States ? 

A political scientist and lawyer, Professor Degila’s research interests range from international politics to state-building in the Global South, and African peace and security challenges. He is conducting a long-term project on the role of African states in contemporary global governance from International Geneva. Professor Degila is active in several academic organisations, including the International Studies Association, and serves as member of several advisory boards on a global scale. He advises governments and international organisations such as the African Union, l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, West African Economic and Monetary Union and the United Nations. His latest book Governing Migration for Developments from the Global Souths, with Valeria M. Valle, puts a particular emphasis on human mobility as a driver for development and social progress.