Youth in Africa constituted 19% of the global youth population in 2015, numbering 226 million.[1] The United Nations defines youth as people aged 15 to 24 years.[2] By 2030, it is predicted that the number of youths in Africa will have increased by 42%.[1] Africa's population as a whole is very young, with 60% of the entire continent aged below 25, making it the youngest continent in the world, in relation to its population makeup.[3] All of the world's top 10 youngest countries by median age are in Africa, with Niger in first place with a median age of 15.1 years.[4] There is contention among critics and analysts over what this demographic dividend could mean for African nations; some believe that, with effective governance, the economy could significantly benefit and develop, whilst others have argued that a large, poorly-managed youth population may lead to greater instability and civil conflict.[5]