Objective: This article provides a concise overview of the current challenges that adolescents face in sub-Saharan Africa, summarises possible solutions and ongoing efforts to implement these, and briefly introduces the subsequent papers of this series.
Methods: We draw on data from the WHO Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing Data Portal.
Results: The opportunity provided by the growing number of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa will only be realised if they survive, are healthy, receive a quality education and remain in Africa rather than joining the increasing out-migration exodus. Fortunately, there is an increasing focus on adolescent health and well-being both globally and in sub-Saharan Africa, and growing knowledge of what to do to promote adolescent health and well-being and how to do it, and a powerful resource in the form of adolescents themselves.
Conclusion: There is no time to lose. African adolescents demand it, but are also ready to be part of the solution.
Keywords: adolescents; challenges and opportunities; sub-Saharan Africa; young people.
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.