Staff Writer
Young Africans are more optimistic about the future of their countries and economies than at any time since the Covid-19 pandemic, but they continue to demand jobs, cleaner government and greater political accountability, according to the African Youth Survey 2026.
The survey, commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation and conducted by PSB Insights, interviewed 4 901 people aged between 18 and 24 across 16 African countries in March this year.
The findings show that 47% of respondents believe their country is moving in the right direction, up from 30% in 2024, while 45% believe their national economy is improving, compared with 26% two years ago. In addition, 43% said Africa as a whole is moving in the right direction, up from 37%.
Despite the improved outlook, respondents identified the rising cost of living as the single biggest issue affecting Africa over the past five years.
Job creation emerged as the continent’s top priority, with 27% saying Africa needs more well-paying employment opportunities, while 25% called for stronger action to reduce government corruption.
Support for democracy also remained strong, with 73% saying democracy is preferable to any other form of government.
However, 56% said Western-style democracy is not suitable for Africa and argued that the continent needs a model that better reflects its own realities.
The survey also found that young Africans are taking a pragmatic approach to international relations. Some 55% said governments should prioritise partnerships with countries that can deliver trade, investment and economic benefits regardless of their political systems, while 42% preferred alliances based on shared democratic values.
The United States and China remain the most influential foreign powers on the continent, although China’s influence was viewed more positively by respondents.
On governance, 76% said political leaders remain out of touch with the needs of young people, despite 70% believing their voices matter to national leaders.
More than four in five respondents said they were confident young people could play a greater role in political decision-making over the next five years.
Security was also closely linked to economic opportunity. Although 70% said they feel safe in their country, unemployment and poverty were identified as the biggest threats to community safety, ahead of crime, corruption and substance abuse.
More than half of respondents said governments should prioritise creating jobs for young people as the most effective way to improve security.
