Opinion today: Africa’s demographic destiny

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Africa is on the verge of a demographic explosion. While populations in Europe and the Americas have stopped growing — and the number of people in Asia is expected to peak at around 5bn by 2050 — there is no sign of a similar slowdown in Africa. In fact, the UN predicts the number of people on the continent will double in 30 years to 2bn and again, to 4bn, by the end of the century.

This growth could be either a boon or a burden, writes David Pilling in his column. If all these new people can find education, jobs and opportunity, then global growth will gradually shift to African countries. But if they cannot, the same countries could be faced with food shortages, communal violence and increased rates of emigration. African leaders should not fall into the trap of blithely anticipating the former, argues David. Instead they should focus on making sure jobs are available to the young and on educating women, so they can make informed choices about contraception.

Katie Martin observes that Donald Trump and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan are perfectly matched opponents in a blame game. Thanks to US sanctions rattling the lira, Mr Erdogan’s claims of economic warfare against the lira sound more plausible.

Linda Yueh explains the benefits and dangers of the fast developing technology behind 3D printing. Printable guns, food and organs may well revolutionise our lives, but the scope for abuse is huge.

Elizabeth Denham, the UK’s Information Commissioner, calls on the government to impose a code of practice on political parties to prevent them abusing personal data in forthcoming electoral campaigns.

Edward Luce argues that Mr Trump is adopting a “scorched earth” policy ahead of the midterm elections in November, and that a Democrat-controlled Congress might actually suit the president.

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Today’s opinion

Rules are required to stop political campaigns abusing personal data 
The way parties communicate will vary, but they should all work under the same code

New Zealand slams the door on Silicon Valley 
Tech gurus may have to rethink their apocalypse insurance

Global Insight: Donald Trump’s scorched earth tactics break with midterm script 
US president’s isolation would play to his strength: to campaign rather than to lead

The good, the bad and the ugly of 3D printing technology 
Printable guns, food and organs will revolutionise our lives but scope for abuse is huge

Africa cannot count on a demographic dividend 
Population growth will not necessarily translate into rising living standards

FT Alphaville: Erdogan can’t sidestep the IMF for long 

Erdogan and Trump battle it out in the lira blame game 
Thanks to US sanctions, the Turkish leader can claim there is an effort to sabotage him

FT View

The FT View: The complex aftermath of the Genoa tragedy 
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The Big Read

The Big Read: Europopulism: Immigration provides opening for Sweden’s right wing 
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