The World Bank says child marriage is draining African economies of at least $60 billion in lost lifetime earnings, a figure it says is larger than the annual aid the continent receives.
In a report released on Wednesday, the bank said the damage goes well beyond income. It linked early marriage to school dropout rates, teen pregnancy and poor health outcomes, arguing that the practice weakens girls’ prospects and slows broader development.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the world’s highest child marriage rates, with more than 3 million girls — about one in three — marrying before the age of 18. The report said only four in 10 African girls finish secondary school, leaving many with fewer job opportunities and lower earnings.
Quentin Wodon, a World Bank economist and lead author of the report, said education makes a major difference in women’s earnings and employment.
“On average, women who have a secondary education are more likely to work and they earn twice as much as those with no education,” said Quentin Wodon, World Bank economist and lead author of the report.
Wodon said estimates for 12 countries, which together account for half of Africa’s population, put the cost of child marriage at $63 billion in lost earnings and human capital wealth through its effect on girls’ education.
The bank said the losses could be even higher across the continent, potentially reaching twice that amount and standing at three times the $40 billion in foreign aid given to sub-Saharan Africa in 2016.
Campaigners said the numbers should push governments to act faster on existing commitments. Lakshmi Sundaram, executive director of Girls Not Brides, said the economic case for ending the practice could help drive policy change.
“When it comes to policy making, money talks. What this research shows is that ending child marriage is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do,” said Lakshmi Sundaram, Executive Director of Girls Not Brides.
The report said child marriage also fuels higher fertility rates and population growth, while worsening poverty and limiting gains in living standards, especially among the poorest households.
It said 18 of the world’s top 20 countries for early marriage are in Africa. Niger, Central African Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, South Sudan and Guinea were listed among the countries where more than half of girls are married before 18.
Gender experts say the effects can span generations. Early marriage can cut short a girl’s education, damage her health and employment prospects, and increase the risk that her children will face malnutrition, poor health and low survival chances.
Campaigners said the findings underline the need for African countries to increase investment and turn promises into action. Sundaram said ending child marriage would help reduce poverty and open up better futures for girls across the continent.
“By ridding Africa of child marriage, we can help alleviate poverty and ensure that girls everywhere have access to a brighter future,” said Sundaram of Girls Not Brides.
