
LONDON CALLING: GENESIS CEO CHAMPIONS THE YOUNG WORLD’S UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
7 May 2025
The next global economic transformation won't emerge from traditional power centres - it will rise from the vibrant communities of Lagos, the innovative classrooms of Dhaka and the tech hubs of Nairobi. Genesis CEO Stephan Malherbe recently brought this compelling vision to London's decision-makers, presenting a powerful case for why the Young World represents the most significant opportunity of our era.
With three out of every four children born today entering the Young World - Africa, the Middle East and South Asia - the global economic landscape is being redrawn. As ageing economies face demographic decline, these dynamic regions will add 1.2 billion new workers by 2050. Yet this potential requires more than passive optimism - it demands strategic investment in education, employment and sustainable infrastructure.

Genesis doesn't just analyse this shift- it helps to drive it. Founded in Africa and operating in over 100 countries, Genesis combines world-class expertise with an unrivalled advantage: deep local roots. When redesigning a nation's healthcare system or launching digital livelihoods programmes, our teams aren't outsiders - they're community leaders solving challenges in their own neighbourhoods.
London's crucial role in shaping tomorrow
As a global financial hub, London has the capital, influence and vision to help unlock the Young World's promise. Genesis recently engaged with forward-thinking investors and institutions ready to move beyond outdated aid models and embrace a new paradigm - one where partnership trumps patronage and opportunity outweighs risk.
“We believe that this moment is the end of an entire epoch. That means there has to be a shift of accountability to those countries. And we think there are a number of countries that can take up that mantle and really succeed,” said Malherbe in an interview with CTN Group’s Stephen Watson. “But it means they have to work differently. They have to plan differently. They have to be more strategic and selective and they have to work effectively to get everything they need from the rest of the world,” adds Malherbe.
WATCH: Genesis CEO Stephan Malherbe discuss the new aid landscape
The visit included high-level discussions where Genesis outlined its proven approach to transforming demographic potential into lasting prosperity. “The role that we play is to help countries take over that mantle of responsibility and then work in an effective way that we’ve seen work in many other countries that we think can work in these countries with young populations.”