The Heat: Immigration & workforce

The Heat

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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.

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