Africa’s youth are bouncing back from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but their optimism is clouded by growing frustration with their governments, fueled largely by concerns over corruption.
According to the 2024 African Youth Survey, corruption has emerged as the top threat to the continent’s young population, who see it as a significant barrier to realizing their potential and securing a better future.
The survey, which interviewed 5,604 youths between the ages of 18 and 24 across 16 African countries, reveals a strong consensus: corruption is robbing them of their birthright and stifling progress.
As a result, 60% of respondents are contemplating leaving their countries within the next five years. North America tops the list of preferred destinations, followed by Western Europe, with France, the UK, Germany, and Spain emerging as popular choices.
The findings also show that many young Africans are disillusioned with their governments’ efforts to tackle corruption. They are calling for tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including barring them from holding public office.
While 69% still believe in democracy, 60% are in favor of an “African-infused” democratic system that delivers tangible results. Alarmingly, nearly a third of respondents are open to the idea of non-democratic governance, such as military or one-party rule, if it promises stability and growth.
The demand for jobs is also a key concern. With many countries struggling to create employment opportunities, African youth are looking for ways to build their own businesses. They are particularly frustrated by foreign companies that exploit their countries’ natural resources without benefiting local communities.
The 2024 African Youth Survey, commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, has been conducted every two years since 2020, capturing the sentiments of over 14,000 young Africans. The latest edition highlights a growing distrust of Western powers, with many respondents blaming them for the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. As a result, Russia’s influence on the continent is growing, and many youths believe that President Vladimir Putin will soon become one of Africa’s most significant international allies. In contrast, a potential Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. elections is viewed as a negative development for Africa.
Despite their frustrations, Africa’s youth are not resigned to silence. They want to be heard and are pushing for change. The survey indicates that young Africans believe their leaders should be more involved in global issues but are less enthusiastic about their countries taking strong stances on current conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza.
Philanthropist and industrialist Ivor Ichikowitz, whose foundation funds the survey, emphasizes the importance of understanding the perspectives of Africa’s youth as nearly a third of the continent is set to go to the polls in 2024.
“In a continent like Africa, with its young population, the voices of the youth are far more influential than anywhere else on the globe,” said Ichikowitz. “How the world responds to their concerns will shape the future of the planet.”
As Africa moves deeper into what has been called the “African Century,” the findings of the African Youth Survey serve as a critical tool for local political leaders, multinational corporations, and international aid organizations in formulating policies that address the continent’s most pressing issues.
