Family Formation Trends in Africa Since 1994: Taking Stock and Looking Forward

Drawing on published secondary data from various sources, this paper explores trends in family formation processes in Africa over the last three decades. Particular focus is placed on fertility, marriage, cohabitation, and union dissolution through divorce. Given the central role occupied by the family institution in the African social organisation, a deeper understanding of these processes is of critical importance as they have implications for the well-being of families as well as for overall societal well-being and cohesion. The findings are consistent with those of previous studies and show that despite being persistently higher than in other world regions and notwithstanding regional and country differences in terms of pace and magnitude, there is a clear downward trend in the levels of fertility in Africa. Another notable aspect of Africa’s fertility transition is the concerningly high level of adolescent fertility, which is the highest in the world. In terms of nuptiality trends, the overall findings illuminate trends that point to decreased marriage prevalence as well as increased prevalence of cohabitation and union dissolution through divorce. This paper argues that, contrary to emerging insinuations in the literature, the observed family formation trends do not place Africa in the second demographic transition. Despite this, the implications of the trends for family well-being are noteworthy. Hence, the paper concludes with research and policy recommendations to address these potential implications in the post-2024 era.