The Gen Z population in Africa is spearheading a growth-conducive revolution for inclusiveness and development, echoing the demands of the Arab Spring, said Dr. Kelvin Kamayoyo, a Zambian economist and researcher. Gen Z refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012 (Pew Research Center, 2020). This educational article highlights some similarities between Gen Z’s demands and those of the Arab Spring, emphasizing the need for governance systems that respond to societal needs.
The Arab Spring refers to a series of anti-government protests, uprisings, and armed rebellions that swept across the Arab world in the early 2010s (2010-2012), calling for political reform, democracy, and social justice (Hossain, 2017; Noueihed & Warren, 2012). Africa’s youth ought to take an active role in political and economic leadership, leveraging their skills, knowledge, and numbers to drive the change they yearn.
Gen Z forms a significant part of Africa’s young population, which is steadily surging. With a total population of 1.4 billion, Africa has the world’s youngest population, with over 400 million people aged 15 to 35, and nearly 60% of the population is under the age of 25 (Worldometer, 2026). This youth population is expected to increase significantly by 2030.
Africa’s economic growth is expected to reach 4.0% in 2026, driven by stronger macroeconomic stability in several major economies (United Nations, 2026). The Gen Z and other young people must unite and leverage their diversity and innovation capabilities to participate actively in both economic and governance systems at all levels. Notably, the Gen Z population in Kenya and across Africa is driving a movement for inclusive development and governance (Kemp, 2020).
Their demands for equity, employment opportunities, and decent income mirror those of the Arab Spring (Hossain, 2017). However, despite Africa’s growth, the majority of its youth continue to face abject poverty (World Bank, 2020). Arguably, there is an urgent need to eliminate the disconnect between rhetoric and reality when it comes to inclusiveness and embracing diversity in Africa’s governance systems.
Politicians often proclaim that “the youths are the future leaders,” yet fail to provide them with opportunities to lead (Ncube, 2019). This rhetoric has, unfortunately, persisted for decades, even as Africa crossed milestones like the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2015 and approaches the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
The call for the Gen Z and other young people to unite should never be perceived as inconsequential. In other words, their voice should neither be regarded as diminutive nor irrelevant at any given time. However, to buttress this call and achieve inclusive leadership, the Gen Z must unite, build alliances, and develop strategies to participate in political leadership (Anyangwe, 2018). They must not only cast their votes but also protect them, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process (Gyimah-Boadi, 2015).
With their numerical strength and technological savvy, the Gen Z can drive change and bring valuable diversity and skills to governance systems. In unity, progress and broad-based growth are guaranteed in realizing a better shared future and attaining the African Union Vision 2063: “The Africa We Want”, aiming for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent driven by its own citizens.
Unquestionably, the Gen Z should be recognized as present leaders, not just future ones, as they bring a unique perspective and skills necessary for adaptation and transformation. From west to east and from north to south of the African continent; from Dakar (Senegal), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), to Nairobi (Kenya), Antananarivo (Madagascar); and from Tunis (Tunisia), N’djamena (Chad) to Maseru (Lesotho), Cape Town (South Africa), it is time for Africa’s youth to take their rightful place in leadership and shape their own destiny.
The author is a researcher specialized in international economics, peace building, development, negotiations, mediation, diplomacy, river economics, and competition law. For comments, contact the researcher at email: kamayoyokm@gmail.com.
References:
- Anyangwe, E. (2018). African Youth and the Struggle for Citizenship. Journal of African Youth, 1(1), 1-12.
- Gyimah-Boadi, E. (2015). Africa’s Waning Democratic Commitment. Journal of Democracy, 26(1), 101-115.
- Hossain, N. (2017). The Arab Spring: A View from the Periphery. Journal of Middle East Law and Governance, 9(1), 1-20.
- Kemp, S. (2020). Digital in 2020: Global Digital Overview. DataReportal.
- Ncube, M. (2019). The Future of Africa’s Youth: Challenges and Opportunities. African Journal of Governance and Development, 8(1), 1-10.
- Pew Research Center. (2020). Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins.
- United Nations. (2026). World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026.
- World Bank. (2020). Africa’s Pulse: An Economic Update for the Continent. World Bank Group.
- Worldometer. (2026). Africa Population.
