African Youth Mobilise for Democratic Renewal

“We are not only the future, we are the present,” says Clinton, a young activist on a street in Lusaka, Zambia. “But are they listening to us?”

“There is no Cameroon anymore,” remarks Jean David Blot in Douala. He belongs to the grassroots movement “The Okwelians.” “We have to rebuild everything. Everything.”

“If you want to run for office, that is great,” says student Mbayo Akiri in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. “But certain systems ensure that some people never advance beyond a particular level.”

These voices reflect a continent-wide trend: A motivated, inventive generation seeks to shape decisions and drive change, yet finds itself constrained by systems dominated by a small, often aging elite. Are democratic participation channels exhausted, or are new avenues emerging? This question anchors a mini‑series featuring reports from five African countries.

Not lost in frustration: African youth in politics

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When voting no longer matters

Africa remains a youthful continent. According to Worldometer, the median age is 19.5 years; roughly half of the 1.5 billion inhabitants are under 20, and more than 870 million are under 25, while only 53 million are 65 or older.

Researchers Christine Hackenesch and Godfred Bonnah Nkansah examined how young Africans view democracy in a meta‑study for the interdisciplinary “Megatrends Afrika” initiative. Using Afrobarometer survey data, they found a growing trend: youth are increasingly less inclined to vote.

“Young people are disillusioned with their governments,” says Nkansah. “They feel that their vote makes little difference.” Credibility of elections and allegations of fraud are major concerns. “Ruling parties bypass constitutions to stay in power,” he adds.

Yet they also seek alternative avenues of influence. “The data shows that young people are actively exploring protests, social media campaigns, and other methods,” Nkansah notes. Protests now unfold on the streets of major cities and across digital platforms where organizers mobilise through networks.

Kyle Findlay, co‑founder of Murmur Intelligence, approaches the issue analytically. The South Africa‑based firm analyses social‑media activity around elections. “People across Africa no longer rely on democracy as strongly as before,” he says. “While perceptions vary by country, the consensus is that democracy has not consistently delivered the expected outcomes.”

The desire for change and the digital shift

When democratic systems fail to improve living standards or suppress free expression, frustration mounts and the call for change intensifies.

In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s tightening of social openness has pushed many to the streets. For Mbayo Akiri, this marks a cultural shift: “We grew up accepting authority without question.” While he welcomes change, he also feels fear. “I don’t clear my phone before protests: there are ears everywhere. You never know who will be next.” He stresses this is not self‑criticism but a reflection of the current climate.

18‑year‑old Mbayo acknowledges, “Our lives could be better.” Yet the government’s crackdown has made open demonstrations difficult, driving resistance online.

Nkansah argues that virtual spaces offer extensive possibilities for sharing political information and mobilising supporters. “A conversation about unemployment can spread quickly on X and spark a wave,” he explains.

Youth turn to digital activism as Tanzania clamps down

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Young Africans network beyond borders

Many in Tanzania now voice opinions anonymously. Diaspora figures such as musician Wakazi use their public profiles to highlight corruption and policy restrictions, drawing attention to cases where critics disappear. East African activists have likewise shown solidarity with Tanzanian protesters.

Historical analysis recognizes both potentials and limitations of digital networking. The Arab Spring of 2011, dubbed the “Facebook Revolution,” set a precedent. Sociologist Joschka Philipps of Bayreuth notes that similar patterns recur, for example when Congolese activists in 2015 drew inspiration from protests in Senegal and Burkina Faso.

“Youth movements can now access new resources and repertoires,” Philipps says. “But that also exposes them to state surveillance and repression. Governments have learned to pinpoint leaders online and silence them.”

Findlay cites Uganda’s case, where popular musician Bobi Wine has been an opposition figure for a decade. “In recent elections, President Museveni adopted many tactics from this young digital movement,” he observes.

Understanding complexity with patience

Are democratic movements losing momentum? “Not necessarily,” suggests Philipps, urging patience. He explains that the colonial foundations of many African states continue to influence contemporary democracies, which were promoted from the Global North as a genuine construct, yet functioned as an anti‑democratic tool in practice.

In this paradox, some young people today back military leaders like Burkina Faso’s junta chief Ibrahim Traoré, whom they view as a democratic gesture, illustrating the complex nature of empowerment.

Within these intricate realities, African citizens are forging new paths, exercising patience, and practicing resilience.

“Digital democracy may not bring about tangible change immediately,” says Akiri, “but in our hearts we are transforming. With opportunity, we may achieve meaningful progress.”

Activists of The Okwelians in Cameroon, where 93‑year‑old President Paul Biya is in his eighth term, understand the necessity of endurance. “To heal and rebuild, we must educate the next generation to become visionary leaders who serve others,” says Doris Ngum. “Don’t wait for the government. You are the change.”

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