Experts predict that by 2084, annual deaths might start to outnumber births
By 2084, global deaths are projected to surpass births, marking a potential shift towards a population decline. This trend reflects a steady rise in death rates alongside a decrease in birth rates, as shown in UN data.
Niger (76%), the Central African Republic (61%), and Chad (61%) top the global list, meaning the majority of women in these countries marry as children.
Seven of the top ten countries by prevalence are African, showing that child marriage is most entrenched relative to population on the continent.
Countries in South Asia — Bangladesh (51%) and Nepal (35%) — and Latin America — Suriname (36%) and Belize (34%) — also feature, highlighting the global nature of the challenge.
While some countries have larger populations, this list ranks the share of girls affected, not the absolute number, meaning even smaller populations can show extreme societal impact if the prevalence is high.
Women-led businesses in Africa raise significantly less funding than male-led counterparts. In 2017, female-led startups secured only $1 for every $25 raised by male-led startups, and this disparity persisted through 2024.
Despite making up 26% of all entrepreneurs in Africa, women receive less than 10% of total investment capital.
Women in Africa face structural financing challenges, including limited collateral, fewer investment networks, and biases in lending decisions.
While some countries have introduced financial inclusion programmes, overall access to credit for women remains disproportionately low.
The rise of women-focused venture funds, such as WIC Capital and Janngo, signals a slow but emerging shift towards more equitable funding distribution.
If this trend continues, Africa risks stifling economic growth by not fully leveraging the entrepreneurial potential of women-led businesses.
