Corruption, governance, and global perceptions highlighted in new survey

Africa’s youth have demonstrated resilience in the aftermath of COVID-19, but their dissatisfaction with their governments’ direction is growing. According to the 2024 African Youth Survey, corruption is now the foremost concern among young Africans, who see it as the greatest barrier to realizing their potential and achieving a better life than that of their parents and grandparents.

The survey, which interviewed 5,604 youths aged 18 to 24 across 16 African countries, reveals that nearly 60% of young people are considering emigrating within the next five years due to a lack of faith in their governments’ ability to tackle corruption. North America is their top choice, followed by Western Europe, where France, the UK, Germany, and Spain are favored destinations.

Youth across the continent are calling for tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including barring them from holding public office. While 69% still believe in democracy, a growing number (60%) favor an African-adapted form of governance over the Western model. Alarmingly, nearly one in three respondents think non-democratic systems, such as military or one-party rule, could be preferable under certain circumstances.

The survey also highlights young Africans’ strong desire for economic opportunities, particularly jobs or avenues to create their own businesses. They express concern about their countries being exploited by foreign companies, particularly in the extraction of natural resources without adequate benefits for local communities.

From a global perspective, China remains the most positively viewed nation among African youth, followed closely by the United States, with Russia making significant gains since the 2022 survey. The survey also delved into the impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, finding that many young Africans blame Western powers for the war, suggesting that Russia is winning the public relations battle through misinformation and fake news campaigns.

While African youth feel their leaders should be consulted on global issues, less than half believe their countries should take stronger stances on current conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza. They also foresee Russian President Vladimir Putin becoming a significant influence in Africa, while a potential victory for Donald Trump in the next U.S. presidential election is viewed as a negative outcome for the continent.

“The African Youth Survey continues to build on its promise, creating an invaluable body of knowledge indispensable for local political leaders, multinational companies, and global aid organizations,” says Ivor Ichikowitz, the industrialist and philanthropist whose Ichikowitz Family Foundation funds the survey.

As Africa enters what has been termed the “African Century,” the survey provides crucial insights into the aspirations and frustrations of the continent’s youth. With nearly a third of African countries heading to the polls in 2024, understanding the concerns of the young population is vital for shaping policy, investment, and aid programs in a post-COVID world.

“The youth are a far more important factor in Africa than anywhere else on the globe,” Ichikowitz adds. “How the world responds to the voices of Africa’s youth will shape the future of the planet.”