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.