Young Africans are more optimistic about their future than at any point since the Covid-19 pandemic, but they are also making clear that hope alone is not enough. A new continental survey shows a generation that believes in Africa’s potential while demanding jobs, cleaner government, safer communities and a political system that reflects African realities.
The 2026 African Youth Survey, released on 29 July in Johannesburg, found that 47 percent of young Africans now say their country is moving in the right direction, up from 30 percent in 2024. Confidence in national economies has also improved sharply, with 45 percent saying their economy is on the right path, compared with 26 percent two years ago. Across the countries tracked in every wave of the survey, 43 percent now say Africa is moving in the right direction, up from 37 percent in 2024.
The survey, commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation and conducted by PSB Insights, interviewed 4,901 people aged 18 to 24 across 16 African countries in March 2026. It is the largest edition of the survey since it was launched in 2020 to capture the views of Africa’s younger generation.
Despite the improved mood, the cost of living remains the biggest concern. Respondents said rising living costs have had the greatest impact on Africa over the past five years, ahead of political instability, deaths from infectious disease and the technological revolution. When asked what Africa most needs to move forward, 27 percent said the priority is creating well-paying jobs, while 25 percent pointed to reducing corruption in government.
The survey also found that young Africans are still strongly attached to democracy, but they want a version that works in African conditions. Seventy-three percent said democracy is always preferable to any other form of government. At the same time, 56 percent said Western-style democracy is not suitable for Africa and that a new African model is needed.
The report showed a similar pragmatism in foreign policy attitudes. Seventy percent of young Africans said the world is becoming more divided and dangerous, and 55 percent said their countries should prioritize partnerships with countries that can deliver practical benefits such as trade and investment, regardless of political system. By contrast, 42 percent favored alliances based on shared values, even if those partners are less effective.
Ivor Ichikowitz, founder and commissioner of the survey, said the improved outlook should not be mistaken for satisfaction. He said young Africans still believe in the continent, but are no longer willing to accept endless speeches without delivery. He said they want jobs, clean government, safety, business opportunities and a real voice in power.
The findings suggest that youth are not rejecting democracy, but are demanding a more effective version of it. Among the priorities they identified for such a model were national unity and stability, regular free and fair elections, leaders who deliver jobs and services, and greater community participation in decision-making.
The report also found that young Africans see economic and social conditions as central to security. While 70 percent said they feel safe in their country today, unemployment and poverty were identified as the biggest threats to safety in local communities. Asked what governments should do to improve security, 56 percent chose youth job creation, ahead of military spending and anti-corruption measures.
The continental picture, however, remains uneven. Rwanda recorded the strongest confidence in national direction, with 91 percent saying the country is moving the right way. Somalia also emerged as a notable positive case, with 82 percent saying the country is on the right track and 79 percent saying the economy is moving in the right direction.
Ghana, Ethiopia and Zambia showed the largest rebounds in confidence since 2024. In Ethiopia, concern about employment fell sharply and positive sentiment about the country’s direction rose significantly. By contrast, youth in Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique, Chad and Nigeria were among the most pessimistic about national direction, the economy and the wider global outlook.
The survey also showed that young Africans are paying close attention to global power shifts. The United States and China remain the two most influential external powers in their eyes, but China is viewed more positively by those who see its influence. Young respondents also said they would prefer leaders who can work with major powers to deliver tangible gains, while remaining wary of external partners that do not respect Africa’s interests.
The results point to a generation that is hopeful, but impatient. It wants economic progress, clean governance and a more authentic democratic model. Above all, it wants leaders who can turn optimism into action.
