Introduction
The youth in Africa, particularly Gen Z (those born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s), are increasingly becoming central players in shaping the political and governance landscape across the continent. This demographic, representing a significant portion of Africa’s population, is using new tools and strategies—especially social media and digital platforms—to challenge traditional political structures, question governance models, and demand accountability from political leaders. Their growing involvement in politics, propelled by a desire for transparency, better governance, and socio-economic opportunities, has sparked both optimism and concern.
The youth took to the streets, social media platforms, and other spaces from across different countries of Africa from 2020 to 2024. From Nigeria down to Kenya, Ghana, to other parts, Gen Z have become politically enlightened, vocal, and digitally articulate gen that sought to change the story of African politics. The role of the youth in governance has emerged as a critical issue that African leaders have to reckon with, for their influence might be an asset in strengthening democratic practices or further creating political instability. A dive into the specifics of various youth activism, such as protests against the administration of President Bola Tinubu in Nigeria, Kenya’s Gen Z protests, and Ghana’s “Fix the Country” movement, one thing becomes certain: this is not a phase. The involvement of the youth in governance is a sure force that will continue to blow its waves across African politics for the foreseeable future.
Nigerian Youth and Their Agitation Against Tinubu’s Governance
The youth have remained a critical force of challenge to the political establishment in Nigeria. This has continued with even greater dimensions during the 2023 presidential elections and under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Memes, satirical comedy, and critical discourses on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok were used to show discontent by Gen Z. Comedies have been reinvented as public drives for political discontent, a conventional medium of political commentary in Nigeria. The youth have started releasing a rash of jokes, satire, and parody against a system of governance to criticize the policies and decisions taken by the government.
The most salient feature of the Nigerian youth activism in 2023 was the pervasiveness of social media questioning the election results and victory of Tinubu. The youth rallied on digital platforms, demanding electoral reforms and challenging the transparency of the electoral process. This form of digital activism has not only been an outlet for frustrations but a means through which a more engaged and informed electorate is built. They questioned policies on economic challenges, corruption, and social justice, clamoring for a government that would show interest in their concerns.
Additionally, youth-driven initiatives like #The EndSARS movement—which began as a protest against police brutality but evolved into a broader anti-government movement—illustrated the growing political consciousness and activism among the younger gen. The protest brought millions of young Nigerians into the streets and onto social media platforms, calling for reforms not just in the police force but across the entire governance structure.
While the fact that protests as well as activism are being taken up by youth means a powerful push for change, this certainly remains a challenge for President Tinubu’s government. The youth are indeed not easy to appease, and the fact that they organize, mobilize, and critique the government means that the current administration has got to be keenly aware of their demands. This also portends a wider trend across Africa, where the youth are no longer passive citizens but active participants in the political process-a reality that presents opportunities and challenges for political leaders.
Kenyan Gen Z and the Push for Accountability
In Kenya, the youth made demands for more accountability from the government. Gen Z is increasingly getting vocal about grievances emanating from corruption, unemployment, and social inequality, and is highly technologically savvy and socially aware. The protest movements that took place in Kenya, particularly those of August 2024 is a manifestation of the youth increasing demand for more open and responsive governance. The disputed Finance Bill of 2024 which generated unprecedented countrywide demonstrations was seen as a punitive piece of legislation that sought to raise revenue of KES 3.7 trillion through taxation and increasing the National debt. Unlike the long history of the political elite-led demonstrations, nationwide protests were led and headed predominantly by young people (Gen Z), who called for the rejection of the finance bill. As days went by, these demands metamorphosed into decrying the state of corruption, increasing public debt, accountability, impunity, incompetence, cronyism, and waste of public resources in both the executive and legislative arms of government. These had different impacts and consequences in the rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill, the change of cabinet secretaries, dissolving 47 cooperatives, suspension of civil service re-appointments, and abolishing offices that were unconstitutional.
This growing demand for accountability and change among Kenya’s youth will undoubtedly shape the future of the country’s governance. It also serves as a reminder to African leaders that the youth are no longer passive observers but active agents of change who are demanding a seat at the table. For Kenya, the challenge now lies in how the government will respond to these demands without alienating the very demographic that will play a central role in the country’s future.
Ghana: “Fix the Country” and the Impact on the 2024 Elections
In Ghana, the youth movement known as “Fix the Country” has been a powerful force in shaping the political discourse. The movement, which began in 2021, was fueled by frustrations over poor governance, corruption, unemployment, and the government’s inability to deliver on its promises. The youth’s use of social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook, to mobilize protests and share their concerns highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among Ghana’s young people.
“Fix the Country” became a rallying cry for many Ghanaians, especially Gen Z, who were disillusioned with the government’s handling of economic issues. As the movement gained momentum, it reflected a broader demand for accountability, transparency, and systemic change. The youth’s activism was not confined to online spaces; they took to the streets in large numbers, organizing protests in Accra and other major cities. Their calls for the government to address corruption, create jobs, and invest in infrastructure resonated deeply with young people who felt excluded from the political process and disenfranchised by the slow pace of development.
The “Fix the Country” movement thus made its influence felt in the 2024 general elections. Demands of the youth went up amidst an electoral campaign, where political candidates were under compulsion to speak to job creation, economic empowerment, and governance reform. Protests and activism of youth dramatized politics. This shifted the trend of policy considerations toward political leaders paying greater attention to the younger electorate. In many ways, the involvement of the youth in the electoral process can be seen as a catalyst for change in Ghana’s political landscape.
The “Fix the Country” movement has presented some clear-cut lessons: this is a very vocal, very organized, and demanding youth in Ghana, no longer content to simply stand by while others shape the contours of the country’s political life. To political leaders, this signals that the youth are increasingly an influential constituency that must be taken seriously- particularly in view of their commanding influence over election and policy debates.
Implications for Government Leaders
The growing political activism of Gen Z in Africa presents both challenges and opportunities for government leaders across the continent. The youth’s active engagement in political discourse, protest movements, and digital activism signals a shift in the power dynamics between the state and its citizens. Governments that ignore or dismiss the concerns of the youth may face increased unrest, protests, and political instability, as seen in the examples from Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
At the same time, the youth’s desire for change presents an opportunity for governments to engage in meaningful reforms. Leaders who acknowledge the demands of the younger generation and take proactive steps to address their concerns, particularly on issues like unemployment, education, corruption, and governance, will be better positioned to foster a more inclusive political environment. Additionally, the youth’s proficiency in digital tools can be harnessed by governments to improve transparency, promote civic engagement, and facilitate more efficient governance.
However, the challenge for African leaders is how to balance the demands of the youth with the realities of governance, particularly in countries with deeply entrenched political structures, limited resources, and widespread corruption. Leaders must be prepared to listen, engage, and respond to the aspirations of the youth while navigating the complexities of their countries’ political and economic systems.
Conclusion
The rise of Gen Z as a force in African politics is undeniable. From Nigeria’s protest culture to Kenya’s demand for accountability and Ghana’s youth-driven movements like “Fix the Country,” the youth are making their voices heard and challenging the status quo. For African leaders, this growing political activism signals a need for introspection, reform, and greater responsiveness to the needs and demands of the younger gen. As Africa’s largest and most active demographic, the youth will continue to play a central role in shaping the continent’s future governance. African leaders must not only be aware of the youth’s power but also engage with them constructively, addressing their concerns and providing opportunities for meaningful participation in the political process. Failure to do so could lead to continued unrest, political fragmentation, and missed opportunities for progress. The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the changemakers of today.
