A new report by Afrobarometer reveals that African youth are significantly underrepresented in policy-making processes across the continent, highlighting gaps in political engagement and representation.
Titled “African Insights 2024: Democracy at Risk—the People’s Perspective,” the report underscores that young Africans are less likely than older generations to voice their dissatisfaction and preferences through electoral participation and other forms of political engagement. Only 63% of eligible youth voted in their country’s last election, compared to 78%- 84% among older age groups.
The report notes a 7 to 12 percentage point lag in political activities such as collective issue-raising and engaging with local government officials, indicating a substantial deficit in youth representation in African governance.
“African youth (aged 18-35) rank unemployment and economic management as their foremost concerns, calling for urgent government intervention,” Afrobarometer states. Most young Africans perceive their governments needing to catch up on these critical issues.
Moreover, the report reveals that nearly two-thirds (64%) of African youth prefer democracy over other forms of government. While they reject dictatorship (80%) and military rule (65%), a significant portion (56%) acknowledges potential legitimacy in military intervention when elected leaders abuse power.
Youth respondents also express higher levels of distrust in government institutions, with 40% perceiving most or all officials in the Presidency as corrupt. Additionally, 60% of youth express dissatisfaction with the current state of democracy in their countries, reflecting broader concerns about governance and representation.
The findings underscore the pressing need for African governments to enhance mechanisms that amplify youth voices in policy-making and effectively address their priorities.
