Emergence of African Youth Protests: How Far Can It Yield Change?

Across Africa, a new era of youth activism is rapidly unfolding, marked by a wave of protests demanding political, economic, and social change. Disillusioned with corruption, unemployment, police brutality, and stagnant leadership, young people across the continent are taking to the streets and online platforms to challenge the systems that have long failed them.

Photo credit: Al Jazeera Centre for Studies

These protests, often spontaneous but highly organized through social media, reflect the growing frustration of a generation that feels alienated from decision-making processes and economic opportunities. Youth movements such as Nigeria’s #EndSARS, South Africa’s #FeesMustFall, and the protests in Sudan that brought down Omar al-Bashir in 2019 are emblematic of this rise in youth activism, showing that young people are no longer willing to passively accept the status quo.

The importance of youth in shaping Africa’s future cannot be understated. With the majority of the continent's population under 25, the youth demographic holds significant potential to drive political and social transformation. However, the harsh economic realities facing many young Africans—unemployment, lack of access to education, and limited political freedoms—have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The protests are not just about immediate grievances but are indicative of deeper structural issues. Economic exclusion, police brutality, and the lack of transparency in governance are recurring themes in many of these movements, highlighting the systemic challenges young Africans face in their quest for a better future.

Photo credit: The Guardian

Despite the undeniable energy and passion driving these protests, the question remains: how far can youth protests actually yield lasting change? There have been successes, such as the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Nigeria following the #EndSARS protests and the eventual ousting of long-time dictators like Omar al-Bashir in Sudan. These victories, while significant, have been met with violent government crackdowns, repressive tactics, and in many cases, little follow-through in addressing the root causes of discontent. The challenge, therefore, lies not just in mobilizing protests but in sustaining momentum and transforming protest movements into organized political efforts that can influence long-term policy changes.

One of the major barriers youth movements face is the limited political participation of young people in formal governance structures. While African youth are often at the forefront of protests, they are largely absent from actual political power. Many countries continue to be ruled by older generations of leaders who have held on to power for decades, resistant to reform and reluctant to make space for young voices. To truly yield change, African youth must not only protest but also actively engage in the political process. This means voting, running for office, and creating new political platforms that represent their interests. The challenge of turning protest movements into political change is daunting, especially in political environments where repression, censorship, and electoral fraud are common.

The role of social media has been instrumental in the organization of these movements, enabling quick mobilization and raising international awareness. Hashtags like #EndSARS and #FeesMustFall became rallying points for collective action, amplifying youth voices beyond the borders of their respective countries. However, governments have become increasingly savvy in countering these digital movements by shutting down internet access during protests or using online surveillance to track and intimidate activists. The reliance on social media is both a strength and a vulnerability for these youth movements, and it raises questions about the sustainability of online activism in the face of government repression.

The future of youth-led change in Africa is uncertain, but the growing political consciousness among young people is a positive sign for the continent. While governments may continue to resist reform, the increasing pressure from youth movements has already started to shift the political narrative. The protests show that African youth are no longer willing to be sidelined and are demanding a seat at the table. The real test will be whether these movements can evolve beyond street protests and into lasting political and social change.

In the long run, the emergence of African youth protests has the potential to reshape the continent’s political landscape. However, to fully realize their potential, young Africans must find ways to translate their energy and activism into sustained political engagement. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the emergence of these youth-led movements suggests that change, however gradual, is on the horizon.