Kyrgyzstan's children may only reach 60% of potential productivity: study

Kyrgyzstan faces a critical juncture where its youth, a significant demographic asset, risk underperforming due to inadequate investment in human capital. A study titled 'Generation 2025' by Genesis Analytics reveals a stark reality: a child born today in Kyrgyzstan is projected to achieve only 60 percent of their potential productivity. This shortfall is attributed to deficiencies in education quality and healthcare.

Thomas Lievens, managing partner at Genesis Analytics, emphasized that investments in children's education, healthcare, and social protection should be viewed as long-term state investments, not mere expenditures. Such measures are crucial for fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing labor productivity, and ensuring political stability, while also mitigating future social costs.

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investments in education, healthcare, and social protection should be viewed as long-term state investments, not mere expenditures.

The country's demographic profile, with over half its population under 30, presents a unique opportunity for economic expansion. This large cohort of young people is poised to become the nation's most substantial workforce in the coming two decades, potentially yielding a 'demographic dividend.' This phenomenon occurs when a high proportion of the working-age population drives economic growth through increased income, consumption, and investment.

However, experts caution that this advantage is not automatic. Realizing the demographic dividend requires targeted strategies and strategic investments in human capital development. Lievens pointed to insufficient funding in child protection, social support, water supply, sanitation, and employment programs as key factors impacting human capital levels. The study's authors believe that judicious investments in these areas can significantly elevate human capital, enabling Kyrgyzstan to fully leverage its demographic strengths.

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a child born today in Kyrgyzstan is projected to achieve only 60 percent of their potential productivity due to insufficient quality of education and health.