By John Ikani
A recent survey has revealed a concerning trend: sixty percent of young Africans are considering leaving their home countries due to the pervasive issue of corruption.
This alarming statistic comes from a poll conducted by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, which surveyed over 5,600 young people aged 18 to 24 across 16 African nations. The findings highlight corruption as the primary barrier preventing these individuals from achieving their full potential and building better lives.
The foundation emphasized the disillusionment among young people, stating, “Most of all, they don’t believe their governments are doing enough to address this scourge, and, because of it, almost 60% are looking to emigrate in the next five years.”
The 2024 African Youth Survey, touted as the most comprehensive of its kind, involved face-to-face interviews conducted between January and February in various countries, from South Africa to Ethiopia. The results indicate that North America is the favored destination for emigration among this age group, followed by Western European nations like Britain, France, Germany, and Spain.
More than half of the respondents (55 percent) expressed pessimism about Africa’s current trajectory, stating that the continent is headed in the “wrong direction.” However, a slight increase in “Afro-optimism” was observed compared to the 2022 survey, reaching 37 percent.
The foundation highlighted the desire for change among the youth, stating, “They want tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including banning them from standing for office. They also want a different form of government.”
While approximately two-thirds of those interviewed support democracy, around 60 percent expressed a preference for an “African-infused” version of it. Moreover, nearly one in three believe that non-democratic systems, such as military or one-party rule, might be preferable under certain circumstances.
The survey also touched upon the influence of foreign powers. Most respondents (72 percent) identified foreign influence as a concern. The foundation noted, “They are concerned about their countries being exploited by foreign companies, especially their natural mineral wealth being mined and exported without any further benefit to the people.”
China’s influence was viewed positively by a large majority (82 percent), with a similar sentiment (79 percent) expressed towards the United States. Perceptions of Russia’s influence also saw an increase, particularly in Malawi and South Africa, with over half of those holding a favorable view of Russia citing its provision of grain and fertilizer.
Regarding the upcoming US presidential elections, most respondents indicated that a Donald Trump victory would be far more detrimental to Africa than a win by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
The African Youth Survey, initiated in 2020, aims to provide a platform for the voices of Africa’s youth in a scientifically sound manner, according to the foundation’s communications director. It also serves as a valuable resource for governments, NGOs, and investors.
Africa boasts the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population. The median age on the continent in 2020 was 19.7, significantly lower than other regions like Latin America (31.0), Northern America (38.6), and Europe (42.5), as per the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
Currently, Africa is home to nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, with one-third facing unemployment, according to the African Development Bank. This population is projected to double to over 830 million by 2050.
The 2024 African Youth Survey was conducted by PSB Insights in various countries, including Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
