According to a poll released on Tuesday by the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, 60% of African youth are considering emigration due to unchecked corruption jeopardizing their future. The survey, which involved 5,604 individuals aged 18 to 24 from 16 countries, identified corruption as the “single greatest hurdle” to achieving their potential and improving their lives.
The 2024 African Youth Survey, described as the most extensive of its kind, was conducted through face-to-face interviews in January and February across countries from South Africa to Ethiopia. North America emerged as the top destination for those seeking to leave, followed by Western European countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and Spain.
The survey revealed that more than half (55%) of respondents believe Africa is headed in the “wrong direction,” though there was a slight increase in “Afro-optimism” to 37% compared to the 2022 survey. Youth are calling for stricter sanctions against corrupt politicians, including barring them from holding office, and are open to different forms of government.
While about two-thirds of those surveyed support democracy, around 60% favor an “African-infused” variant. Nearly one in three believe non-democratic systems, such as military or one-party rule, could be preferable in certain situations.
Foreign influence also concerns the majority (72%) of respondents, who worry about exploitation of their countries’ natural resources by foreign companies. Despite this, a significant majority (82%) view China’s influence positively, with 79% expressing similar sentiments about the United States.
Perceptions of Russian influence have notably increased in Malawi and South Africa, with over half of those viewing Russia positively citing its provision of grain and fertilizer as key reasons. Many believe that a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming US presidential election would be a more negative outcome for Africa compared to a win by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
The African Youth Survey, which began in 2020, aims to represent the voices of Africa’s youth in a scientific manner, according to the foundation’s communications director, Nico De Klerk. The survey also provides valuable insights for governments, NGOs, and investors.
Africa has the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. As of 2020, the continent’s median age was 19.7, compared to 31.0 in Latin America, 38.6 in North America, and 42.5 in Europe, according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The African Development Bank reports that Africa is home to nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, with one-third unemployed. This population is projected to double to over 830 million by 2050.
The 2024 African Youth Survey was carried out by PSB Insights in Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
