African youth’s political and civic engagement is necessary for rejuvenating democracy and ensuring accountability across the continent – that was the message that resonated strongly with stakeholders as Afrobarometer, in collaboration with the Youth Democracy Cohort (YDC), co-hosted a side event during the 5th African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Youth Symposium at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand.
Held under the theme “Youth in governance: From promise to prosperity,” the two-day symposium brought together young leaders from across Africa, diplomatic representatives, policy makers, private sector leaders, and media voices for intergenerational dialogue and peer engagement aimed at building a bold and united future for African democracies.
Participants explored the growing influence of “Gen Z” and the ways in which youth-led activism is reshaping civic and political activities throughout the continent. They stressed the urgency of governance reforms that genuinely respond to citizens’ expectations, noting that unmet promises risk deepening youth frustration and disengagement. The conversations also highlighted the vital role of communication in the digital age for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.
The Afrobarometer/YDC side event, dubbed “Youth voices in data: Turning insights into action,” reinforced the power of data in shaping responsive policies for Africa’s youth. The session provided data-driven perspectives on African youth’s aspirations, unemployment, views on migration, and political and civic participation.
Afrobarometer data presented by the Communications Coordinator for Southern Africa, Asafika Mpako, showed that African youth are less likely than older generations to engage in a variety of political and civic activities, although they are more likely to protest. While many young Africans support democratic governance and reject authoritarian alternatives, they are less trusting of their elected leaders than older citizens, and more likely to perceive them to be corrupt. African youth are also the most likely of any generation to express willingness to accept military rule, should elected leaders abuse power. Meanwhile, high levels of unemployment and restricted access to economic opportunities drive young people’s desire to emigrate.
Complementing these insights, the Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI), developed by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) with the expertise of the Youth Democracy Cohort (YDC), offered a global comparative lens to youth involvement in political and civic activities. Covering more than 140 countries and measuring four key dimensions – socio‑economic context, civic space, political affairs, and elections – the index demonstrates that, while young people are eager to engage, they face a range of major challenges, including access to information, resources, spaces, and representation, and whether they have a genuine ability to influence decision making.
Mikhail Nyamweya, research consultant for the GYPI, stressed youth’s desire to reshape the future, but noted the slow pace of reforms.
“The message is very simple: The youth are active, but the systems are slow to respond,” he said. “Africa is the world’s youngest region, yet most decision-making structures do not institutionalise youth representation.”
Speaking at the main plenary, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former African Union Commission chairperson, emphasised the importance of empowering young people.
“The important thing is that we must invest in young people,” she said. “The people are our most precious resource.”