Japan, long opposed to widespread immigration – is starting to change its view — and is studying a proposal that would allow more foreigners into the country with their families. The reason: An acute labor shortage.

Like most developed nations, Japan is dealing with an aging population and declining births. It’s a country where diapers for adults actually outsell diapers for babies.

The reverse of this trend can be found in Africa. Sub Saharan Africa is dealing with a population boom and the continent will have to create jobs for its citizens… or send them to countries thirsty for employees.

To discuss:

• Yoshikazu Kato is a Research Fellow at the Rakuten Securities Economic Research Institute.
• Zainab Usman is the director of the Africa Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• William Lee is Chief Economist at the Milken Institute.
• Remi Piet is a Senior Partner at Embellie Advisory.

For more:

Long closed to most immigration, Japan looks to open up amid labor shortage https://t.co/juxlfxqLVG

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) November 18, 2021

Africa’s working-age population will boom by 2035. Is it a gift or a time-bomb? @JohnAdjaye & Edward Brown propose 2 #foresight scenarios for Africa's biggest resource: its #youth.

👉 Read: https://t.co/RkPxmNMKim#ImagineAfrica pic.twitter.com/q5QWLzTlwN

— EU Institute for Security Studies (@EU_ISS) December 2, 2021