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1、A TURNING POINT FOR AFRICAN YOUTHResearch Partner:The African Youth Survey 2024 is dedicated to the hopes and aspirations of Africas youth.PR Partner:African Youth Survey 2024A White Paper on the findings of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation African Youth Survey 2024.Published in 2024 by the Ichikowi

2、tz Family Foundation Copyright 2024.The Ichikowitz Family Foundation.All rights reserved.No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.The Ichikowitz Family Foundation,Burson and PSB logos are trademarks.Othe

3、r company,product and service names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.The Ichikowitz Family Foundation along with the various contributors will not accept responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or damage you may suffer as a result of using or relying on any of the

4、 information in this publication or study.Special thanks to:The various commentators whose analysis and insight brought depth and context to the findings.To Profit Partnership(Pty)Ltd for the design,layout and production.Page 2 Survey MethodologyPage 4 Foreword:Ivor Ichikowitz Chairman of the Ichiko

5、witz Family FoundationPage 6 Foreword:Dr Sian Proctor A visionary artist,futurist,professor of geology and commercial astronaut spaceship pilotPage 8 Executive SummaryPage 12 Top FindingsPage 122 The Ichikowitz Family FoundationPage 10611.TechnologyPage 808.Safety and SecurityPage 646.Future Ambitio

6、nsPage 585.Quality of Life and Living StandardsPage 504.Democracy and GovernmentPage 443.Africas Role on the Global StagePage 262.International Influence on AfricaPage 161.Afro-OptimismPage 10010.ImmigrationPage 11612.News and MediaPage 889.EnvironmentPage 747.CorruptionAfrican Youth Survey 1THE COU

7、NTRIES SAMPLED IN 2024 INCLUDED:Botswana,Cameroon,Chad,Congo Brazzaville,Cte dIvoire,Ethiopia,Gabon,Ghana,Kenya,Malawi,Namibia,Nigeria,Rwanda,South Africa,Tanzania and Zambiayears of age50:50gender ratio18-245,604face-to-face interviewswith country nationalsTunisiaMaliAlgeriaLibyaEgyptMoroccoMaurita

8、niaWestern SaharaSenegalGambiaGuineaGuineaBissauSierra LeoneCte dIvoireBurkinaFasoLiberiaGhanaTogoBeninNigeriaCameroonEthiopiaEritreaDjiboutiSomaliaNigerChadCentral African RepublicEquatorial GuineaSo Tom and PrncipeSudanSouth SudanUgandaDemocratic Republicof the CongoCongo Br.ComorosCabo VerdeSeych

9、ellesGabonRwandaKenyaAngolaZambiaMalawiNamibiaZimbabweEswatiniMozambiqueMadagascarMauritiusReunionBurundiLesothoSouth AfricaBotswana Tanzania2 African Youth SurveyCountry2020 2022 2024AngolaBotswanaCameroonChadCongo BrazzavilleCte dIvoireDRCEthiopiaGabonGhanaKenyaMalawiMaliMozambiqueNamibiaNigeriaRw

10、andaSenegalSouth AfricaSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambiaZimbabweTotal Countries141516Total Interviews4,2004,5075,604The Ichikowitz Family Foundation launched the African Youth Survey in 2020 to provide governments,the private sector and civil society with insights into the aspirations,motivations,and vi

11、ewpoints of Africas youth.The most comprehensive study of its kind to date,the African Youth Survey gives a voice to one of the worlds key demographics and provides them with the opportunity to share their opinions,experiences,and aspirations with the world.Remarkable transformation is taking place

12、in Africa,where the population is expected to almost double to 2.5 billion over the next 25 years.This change will not only revolutionise many African nations but also significantly alter their global relationships.While birth rates are falling in wealthier countries,Africas birth rate remains high,

13、driving the most youthful and rapidly expanding population worldwide.Africa boasts the worlds youngest population,with 70%of those living in Sub-Saharan Africa under 30 years of age.By 2050,African youth are expected to account for over a third of the worlds youth and will make up 75%of all Africans

14、 under 35 years of age.This considerable youth population offers significant opportunity to drive the continents current and future growth,but only if these emerging generations are sufficiently empowered to maximise their fullpotential.From inception in 2020,this study has been a valuable resource

15、to policymakers,media,and stakeholders of high-quality research on the key issues of the moment,growing its reputation as one of the most impactful pieces of research on thecontinent.PSB Insights,a global insights consultancy,has conducted three waves of research among youth across the continent for

16、 the African Youth Survey.Each wave consistedof:Face-to-face interviews(approx.300 per market;approx.1,000 in South Africa in2024)African youth(nationals of each country)between the age of 18-24 Sample split 50:50 male and female Three distinct interview locations across each country,increasing to 1

17、8 locations in South Africa in 2024 Five separate districts within each interview location Respondents offered to take the survey in a range of local languages for eachcountry Responses recorded electronically via tablet No incentives were offered as part of researchNote:Where 2024 African Youth num

18、bers are shown on their own,this includes Congo Brazzaville,Ethiopia,Gabon,Ghana,Kenya,Malawi,Nigeria,Rwanda,South Africa,Zambia,Botswana,Namibia,Chad,Cameroon,Tanzania,and Cte dIvoire.Comparisons of change between 2020,2022 and 2024 are shown only among like-for-like markets,which are Congo Brazzav

19、ille,Ethiopia,Gabon,Ghana,Kenya,Malawi,Nigeria,Rwanda,South Africa,and Zambia.14,311African Youth Survey 3The African Youth SurveyWelcome to the third edition of the African Youth Survey(AYS).It is a profound pleasure to tell you that the results of this survey are as relevant and as fascinating as

20、they were when the AYS was first launched four years ago.In fact,you will find this edition even more compelling reading.When we conceived the survey,the overriding purpose was to measure the temperature of one of the most important demographics in any society,the youth.In Africa,which already has t

21、he youngest population in the world,it was even more important to take the pulse of this cohort of respondents.The aim,in retrospect,was rather quaint.We believed the actual sentiment in Africa was very different to the hopeless tropes so entrenched in the industrialised north of the dark continent

22、beset by the horsemen of the apocalypse,conquest,war,famine and death and pestilence too.We succeeded because the respondents painted a picture that was the polar opposite of the prejudices of the developed world,but the true worth of the African Youth Survey has evolved into so much more than just

23、showing that Africans,especially the next generation of leaders,actually believe in themselves and their continent.It has become an incredibly important and accurate indicator of trends,from domestic to globalpolitics.All of this is important,but it has now come into even sharper relief in this edit

24、ion because the world is a far more different place;disrupted by geopolitical tension,volatile,uncertain,complex and ambiguous.Against this backdrop,the voice of the African youth becomes even more significant since the continent once again is becoming a proxy battleground for the competing ideologi

25、es of an increasingly multi-polar world.Where do the loyalties of the next generation of African leaders lie;are they blindly pro-American or slavishly pro-Russian?Is it as simple as a binary concept or is it more nuanced?What is the effect of Chinas extensive belt and road initiative?These question

26、s have been asked and the answers are as fascinating as ever and,as has become the norm for the African Youth Survey,fly in the face of accepted beliefs on the question.There is much to warm the hearts of Africas supporters at home and abroad,as confidence returns to pre-pandemic levels.But there is

27、 much that continues to vex todays youth.As we plumb their greatest fears,we can gauge how these will impact on their desires.In the process,we get a unique insight into what we can expect from a continent that will provide a third of the worlds youth in a quarter of a centurys time.From their belie

28、fs on Africas direction to its role on the world stage as the UN moves ever closer to giving the continent a permanent seat on the all-important Security Council to issues like climate change and the concomitant global warming,corruption,migration,quality of life,crime,terrorism and security,the Afr

29、ican Youth Survey takes another step closer to understanding the hopes and the hates of a very important group of people.There are very important indicators about the health and future evolution of democracy on the continent and insights into the congruity or otherwise of government policies and wha

30、t the youth need andwant.4 African Youth SurveyBuilding on the work of the previous two editions,the African Youth Survey is creating an invaluable body of knowledge that is indispensable for both local political leaders,multinational companies and global aid NGOs when it comes to policy direction,i

31、nvestment and aid programmes in a post COVID world.As we move ever deeper into the epoch that was dubbed the African century only 25 years ago,what needs to be done to make this a reality is becoming clearer:unlocking the potential that lies within Africa and properly harnessing it organically and s

32、ustainably to the benefit of not just the people who live there,but to the whole world.If Africa cannot provide this generation with the lives they aspire to,they will have no compunction seeking a better life elsewhere in the countries already groaning under the weight of mass immigration and the t

33、oxic rise of local identity politics in response.The gift of the African Youth survey has always been to do the heavy lifting to get into the hearts and minds of the next generation of African leaders and learn how best to work with them.The old African adage has never been truer:if you want to go f

34、ast go alone,if you want to go far,go together.I believe this is the African Youth Surveys intrinsic value;it provides the key to going far together.IVOR ICHIKOWITZChairman Ichikowitz FamilyFoundationThe old African adage has never been truer:if you want to go fast go alone,if you want to go far,go

35、together.I believe this is the African Youth Surveys intrinsic value;it provides the key to going far together.African Youth Survey 5Dr Sian Proctor is the first woman in the world to become a commercial astronaut spaceship pilot as well as the first female African American woman to be a mission pil

36、ot.A visionary artist,futurist and professor of geology,Dr Proctor is also a US State Department science envoy for the civilian use of space.Follow her on X:or Instagram drsianproctorSeveral weeks before this edition of the African Youth Survey was published,I was in Kenya and South Africa talking t

37、o various groups of people,particularly the youth,about my own journey into space and the journeys that await them.It might seem a strange pursuit for Afro sceptics who still choose to see Africa at best as still in its development phase and at worst a continent without hope,especially since space i

38、s one of the costliest endeavours imaginable.But the doomsayers and cynics would be wrong as they are about so much else.The civilianization of humanitys last frontier brings with it not just the thrill of aspiration,but the very real tools that we need to resolve our issues right here on earth.Spac

39、e travel is also no longer in the tight grasp of rival global superpowers,but well within the realms of ordinary mortals.We no longer need to dream it;we can all go to space and perhaps one day even settle on the moon or on Mars.Africans have that right.It is not impossible.South Africas Mark Shuttl

40、eworth was Africas first astronaut,Egypts Sara Sabry was next;the first African woman and first Arab.Very shortly,the very first Nigerian astronaut,will go to space with SERA,the Space Exploration and Research Agency.6 African Youth SurveyThe space industry will be worth an estimated trillion dollar

41、s by the end of this decade,which Africa can participate in and benefit from not by sending their own rockets but by working in collaboration with others.Humankind has never lived continuously on the moon or anywhere outside of Low Earth Orbit.To be able to do so requires us to be innovative.There a

42、re great opportunities for universities,agencies and companies to work together to provide the necessary locales and help build analogue sites on Earth,like the Mars Desert Research Station in Utah in the US or the HI-SEAS Habitat in Hawaii,that can simulate the experiences on Earth that will be fou

43、nd on the Moon or Mars and in the process we can develop solutions together to living in areas where there is no easily accessible water or too much radiation from the sun and intolerably cold;places where there is insufficient breathable air and managing resources and waste can be life or death.It

44、is one of the great,untold benefits of the new race to space:The route to the moon and from there to Mars is through addressing scenarios and creating solutions that will ultimately benefit Earth.To get our astronauts of the future flight ready,to make sustainable life on the moon or Mars a reality

45、rather than a possibility,we need to solve for space the most pressing questions facing Earth from climate change to the management of increasingly scarce resources.It truly is a win-win situation underpinned by the Artemis Accords that guide countries to work together in a spirit of peaceful cooper

46、ation for the betterment of humankind.We are building a JEDI future together,one where access to space is Just,Equitable,Diverse,and Inclusive.A JEDI future is premised upon going together and we have not even begun to scope the benefits,because the ripple effect of innovation and inspiration will e

47、volve in ways we cannot begin to imagine.Part of this process means increasing our STEM(Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics)education because the greatest growth in opportunity is going to occur in this area,directly with the scientists and engineers that are employed,thetechnicians that

48、support them and indirectly through the entrepreneurs thatfind opportunities.All we need to do is to inspire the youth.They do not need anyones permission to take part,they just need to know how to unlock their part in a future that can belong as much to them as everyone else in the world,which is w

49、hy the African Youth Survey,and in particular,this edition is so important to changing the narrative.Just as I have been on a mission to get people to understand the potential of space and their role in it,changing the narrative from an exclusionary state-based space race to a global opportunity,so

50、too has the African Youth Survey changed the narrative about this continent and its next generation of leaders.Africa must become flight ready to unlock its incredible potential.The AYS shows that the foundations are already there in the passion and determination among the youth to chart their own d

51、estiny.It is up to us to help provide a pathway.The sky is no longer the limit now that we have the keys to explore the universe.Its time to get flight ready,to be able to travel to infinity andbeyond.Artwork by Dr Sian Proctor,part of her Afrobotica collection.African Youth Survey 7As the fastest-g

52、rowing demographic globally,African youth are the ones to watch;how will they shape their countries,influence the continent,and make their mark on the global stage?Now in its third iteration,the African Youth Survey provides an in-depth look at the perspectives,sentiments and intentions of young peo

53、ple across the continent on critical social,political,and environmental issues.While the world recovers from the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,African youth continue to consider infectious disease fatalities among the most significant events of the past five years.The pandemics econom

54、ic devastation still resonates deeply,with a widespread perception among African youth that economic prospects are poor.Most African youth believe their governments should do more to combat unemployment in the region,and although there has been slight improvement,only two-fifths of young people in A

55、frica currently feel they have a good quality of life.Green Shoots of Afro-OptimismDespite the significant economic challenges they face,African youth remain a hopeful and ambitious cohort.The majority plan to build their own business in the future,and four-in-five have a strong sense of what they w

56、ant to do with their lives.Youth are more likely to report feeling concerned than pessimistic about the future of their country,and there is reported confidence that their standard of living will improve.Many young Africans believe,in fact,that their quality of life will surpass that of their parent

57、s,and they increasingly feel that the continent is moving in the right direction.Despite this growing positivity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,the majority continue to say they believe things across the continent are heading in the wrong direction.Nonetheless,there is a sense that youth have

58、not resigned themselves to expect the worst about the long-term trajectory of their country and still believe that things can be turned around.At this moment,they are using their voices to call on leaders in their countries to take action in order to address current and future challenges facing Afri

59、ca.Whilst expressing bold ambitions,African youth are also pragmatists.They are acutely conscious of significant roadblocks hindering progress in their countries.There is a sense among a significant proportion that diplomacy is fragile,with corruption cited as the most pertinent concern for youth ac

60、ross Africa.It is strongly regarded that corruption is rife within political and civil institutions including government,business,and the police.It is therefore no surprise that when asked to pick a key priority for decision-makers,African youth unequivocally state that governments 8 African Youth S

61、urveymust address,and adequately sanction,corruption.However,levels of satisfaction with government efforts to address corruption remain consistently low across the continent.There is a sense that youth are at an inflection point,calling on their government to address key issues and right the long-t

62、erm trajectory of their country or,failing this,using their own agency to improve their current and future prospects.However,despite strong belief that it is the governments responsibility to improve conditions for African populations,only half of eligible youth across Africa have registered to vote

63、 a proportion which has remained consistent over time.This may be because a growing segment of young Africans feel that non-democratic systems could be preferable for the region,and that African countries should design their own democratic structures.Safety and StabilityIn many African countries,you

64、ng people fear political instability,and those living in Kenya,Nigeria,and Ethiopia are most likely to feel the negative impact of terrorism,insurgency and armed conflict.Concerningly,there is a growing trend across the continent of young people being approached for recruitment by terror groups,and

65、an increase in African youth reporting acquaintance with someone supporting terrorism in their local context.Despite this significant increase,the majority of African youth are still confident in their governments capabilities to deal with terrorism and insurgency.Considering the very real issues of

66、 unemployment,corruption,and political instability,there is a risk that young people living across Africa may look elsewhere for opportunities to prosper.A significant and increasing proportion of African youth currently say they are planning to emigrate within the next five years.Africa may find it

67、self losing out on young ambition,particularly to the allure of North America and Europe,where prospects are deemed by youth to be more appealing.Whilst the majority of African youth who intend to move overseas to pursue opportunities see this as a temporary measure,a growing proportion do feel that

68、 a move abroad could become a permanent relocation.African youth are not only concerned for their own prospects;there is also growing concern for the interests of minority groups in their countries.For instance,three-quarters of young people are now worried about gender-based violence,and the lack o

69、f protection for womens rights.However,attitudes towards people from the LGBTQ+community are less straightforward,with a smaller proportion expressing concern for this cohort.Additionally,the majority of African youth agree that their country has a moral obligation to accept refugees.This is despite

70、 expressing high levels of concern for immigration and asylum across Africa.Foreign Relations and Africa on the Global StageTo level the playing field,African youth are looking to their politicians to do more to enhance their countrys global influence.Young people across Africa hold the belief that

71、their leaders have a voice to drive change on the global stage,and they want to see their governments taking more direct engagements on global issues.Despite a maintained interest in spotlighting Africa on the global stage,the majority of African youth do remain sceptical of outside influence,for fe

72、ar of exploitation of their countries natural resources.Youth continue to identify China and the United States as the two most influential foreign powers in the region,however,for most countries and international organisations their perceived influence has trended down over time.African Youth Survey

73、 9Regardless of the perceived downward trajectory of influence,positivity towards this influence has remained high with around three-quarters agreeing that the impact of most foreign actors in their country has been very positive or somewhat positive.There is a growing sense among African youth that

74、 closer relationships with economic giants such as China or the USA could improve their country;these alliances could enhance infrastructure,increase access to affordable goods,and ultimately boost local economies.To that end,when surveyed in January 2024,many youth expressed optimism about the impa

75、ct of a Biden administration on their country,which would suggest that this would carry through to a potential Kamala Harris presidency.On the other hand,views towards the influence of the European Union and European states such as the United Kingdom and France are mixed.Africas growing global signi

76、ficance and the reinforcement of multiple poles of power in the world order have diversified its pool of potential international partners,making Europe an important but not exclusive choice and highlighting the potential for collaboration beyond aid.While Russia is not viewed as one of the most infl

77、uential international actors in the region,an increasing proportion view the impact of Russias influence in their country negatively.By far the primary source of negative sentiment towards Russian influence is the detrimental impacts on African countries caused by Russias engagement in conflicts,wit

78、h over two-thirds of African youth agreeing that the Russia-Ukraine conflict could have been avoided.Nonetheless,when assigning responsibility for the outbreak of war,a third place primary blame on political leaders from the United States,European Union,and NATO.A fifth of youth feel Russian politic

79、al leaders are primarily responsible,with a similar proportion saying everyone shares blame for the conflict.Just 15%of African youth think Ukrainian political leaders should take primary blame.Climate Change and EnvironmentClimate change and the associated negative consequences of rising temperatur

80、es is a significant and increasing concern for young people across Africa.Seen as the most vulnerable region in the world to the impact of climate change,it is not a surprise that the vast majority of African youth have great concern for the potential harm of climate change for future generations,fo

81、r the people in their country,and for the harm that it will cause thempersonally.A significant majority of African youth are still underwhelmed by their governments efforts to address the causes,and manage the implications,of the climate crisis.When asked what governments could be doing more of to a

82、ddress climate change,there is high consensus among African youth that governments should be adopting green energy sources,mitigating the impact on food and water supplies,and reducing carbon emissions.10 African Youth SurveyWhen considering how to finance climate mitigation and management,African y

83、outh are divided as to whether their government should be advocating for funding to prioritise solutions to future climate change,or whether they should be pushing for financial compensation from developed countries.Regardless of the financial approach,its felt by many that countries are spending to

84、o much time on consensus-building rather than taking action on climate issues,and that individual governments are failing to take the necessary action to mitigate climate impacts.There is also a strong perception among youth in Africa that there is low international interest on climate issues.These

85、are the key barriers identified by youth for why the international community is not on-track to meet its agreed target to keep the global average surface warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2025,as outlined in the Paris Agreement.African Youth in the Digital AgeAfrican youth are keen to ride the

86、 wave of the technological boom,and smartphone use is continuing to grow among this cohort;two-thirds now report to be using a smartphone for three or more hours a day.There is also an increasing perception among African youth that mobile data is becoming more affordable,which may account for the gr

87、owing trend of young people in Africa using apps like Facebook.Although smartphone usage is on-the-up,only two-thirds of young people have regular,private,internet access.This is at odds with the strong perception among African youth that internet connectivity is a fundamental human right.Despite ye

88、arning for more unrestricted and regular access to smartphones and the internet,African youth do acknowledge that this access isnt without its issues.There are real concerns that internet-enabled activities such as online dating might be ruining social match-making norms.African youth also share con

89、cern about the increasing levels of exposure to fake news online;the proportion claiming to be exposed to fake news on a weekly basis is now at nearly half of young people.There is also worry that organisations are using fake news to advance their agendas,and over three-in-five worry about the impac

90、t of fake news and misinformation on upcoming elections.Artificial intelligence is generally seen to be a force for good and positive progress overall,yet many African youth do still worry that widespread access to this technology might do more harm than good,and that it will make the creation and s

91、pread of fake news easier.Into the FutureIn 2024,African youth paint a cautiously optimistic picture of the future.They have greater confidence in whats possible;they will start businesses,move overseas to pursue opportunities,and as a result have more promising prospects than those of the generatio

92、ns that have come before them.However,they are not blind to the systemic barriers that might stand in their way;there is corruption,job scarcity,and an impending climate crisis.Youth are urging politicians and decision-makers across the region to tackle corruption,improve employment prospects,act on

93、 climate change,navigate global influence with caution,and create a more prosperous economic climate for young people who are looking to kick-start their careers and futures.African Youth Survey 11Top findingsWhat does Africas youth have to say about the future of their world?1.Afro-Optimism Overall

94、 attitudes remain negative about the direction of the continent,individuals countries,and their national economies,but there are small improvements following dips during COVID.Death from infectious diseases remains the most impactful event of the past five years,though some countries worry about pol

95、itical instability.Addressing corruption is now the top barrier to progress followed by creating new,well-paying jobs2.International Influence on Africa Seven-in-ten remain concerned about the influence of foreign powers with China and the US seen to have the greatest influence,though many view it p

96、ositively.For China,positivity is driven by affordable products and investments in infrastructure,while those who see the USs influence as positive point to economic support offered.Although Russia is not viewed as one of the most influential international powers in the region,an increasing proporti

97、on negatively view the impact of this influence in their country,mainly driven by the detrimental impacts being felt from Russias engagement in conflicts3.Africas Role on the Global Stage Youth are looking for their leaders to balance addressing domestic issues with increasing their countrys global

98、influence.Most think their leaders have a voice and can drive change on the global stage and want to see their governments taking more direct engagement on international issues both within the continent and beyond4.Democracy and Government The vast majority continue to support democracy,but a growin

99、g proportion say that sometimes non-democratic systems are preferable and that African countries need to design their own democratic structures.Equality under the law remains the top pillar of democracy and most say their voice matters to leaders,with just under half registered to vote5.Quality of L

100、ife and Living Standards Perceived standards of living bounce back to 2020 levels with two-in-five saying their standard is good or very good and most continue to expect it to be better in two years with three-quarters saying they will have a better life than their parents.However,there continues to

101、 be widespread dissatisfaction with governments efforts to reduce poverty and tackle rising costs,and satisfaction with nearly all government services is up from 2022,but down from 20206.Future Ambitions Four-in-five continue to say they know what they want to do with their life and future family pl

102、ans are stable too with seven-in-ten planning on having fewer children than their parents,starting a family later,and getting married later.Employment opportunities and job prospects are bleak three-quarters say it is difficult to find a job,nearly all are concerned about the lack of economic job pr

103、ospects,and two-thirds are dissatisfied with their governments efforts to create jobs and fight unemployment.Corruption is seen as the top barrier to getting a job followed by there not being enough well-paying jobs and not having enough government support.Seven-in-ten say they plan to start a busin

104、ess,but lack of access to capital/money and corruption are seen as the biggest barriers to these ambitions.Over half say they plan to emigrate in the next five years,citing economic reasons and education opportunities with most wanting to move to North America.While most plan to make this a temporar

105、y move,a growing proportion say it could be permanent12 African Youth Survey7.Corruption Reducing government corruption is seen as the key priority to progressing the continent.Four-in-five are worried about corruption in their country with high levels of concern about corruption in government,busin

106、ess,and the police.Most are dissatisfied with efforts to tackle corruption and there is widespread support for a range of policies to address it,including police taskforces,tougher penalties,and banning those convicted of corruption from standing for public office8.Safety and Security Two-in-five ar

107、e satisfied with the police and security services and a quarter say that they or a family member have been a victim of a crime in the past five years.Most think penalties and punishments are about right,but a third say they are not harsh enough.Only half say that they are equal before the law and th

108、ree-quarters are worried about gender-based violence and the lack of protection for womens rights.While most want more protections for minority communities,only a third say this for the LGBTQ+community.Three-in-five are confident in the governments ability to deal with terrorism and insurgency,but i

109、t is felt to be impacting their lives in many markets with noticeable increases in those who know someone who supports or has been approached by a terror group,or have been approachedthemselves9.Environment Three-quarters are concerned about climate change,but less than half are satisfied with effor

110、ts to address it and four-in-five say their government needs to be doing more to address it across a range of measures.The top barriers to achieving global warming targets are seen to be taking too much time on consensus building over action,individual governments failing to take action,and low inte

111、rnational interest in the issue.Seven-in-ten are worried about plastic waste,but this is trending down as satisfaction with recycling infrastructure improves.African youth are most concerned by water scarcity with three-quarters(76%)report being very or somewhat concerned and two-in-five youth(40%)n

112、ow report spending more than a quarter of their income on accessing clean water,a significant increase from 2022.Three-in-five worry about poaching of wild animals with widespread agreement that it leads to theirextinction10.Immigration Two-thirds are concerned about immigration and asylum and only

113、two-in-five are satisfied with government efforts to tackle illegal immigration.Three-in-five say that illegal immigration negatively impacts their country in various ways such as diverting government resources and driving up crime.While most say their country has a moral obligation to accept refuge

114、es,a third disagree11.Technology Four-in-five say internet connectivity is a fundamental human right,but only two-in-three have regular,private,internet access.The proportion who say mobile data is affordable is growing and more can afford it regularly than in 2022.Smartphone usage has increased wit

115、h two-thirds saying they use it for three or more hours a day and a third saying they spend more time online than they would like to.Social media apps are the most frequently used.Three-in-five say that online dating apps allow them to meet people they would have never met before and over half say t

116、hey would be open to meeting others through online dating.However,a similar proportion say it is ruining social norms and traditional dating,and just under half say their family would be accepting of someone they met through online dating.AI is seen as a force for good and positive progress,but many

117、 still worry that it can do more harm than good12.News and Media Television remains the top source but it is declining while Facebook remains in second and is climbing.BBC and CNN are the most trusted news sources,but the proportion who say they encounter fake news at least once a week has risen to

118、nearly half.Fake news is seen to be a serious problem as a range of organisations use it to advance their agendas,and over three-in-five worry about the impact of fake news and misinformation on upcoming electionsAfrican Youth Survey 13As we stand at the crossroads of global transformation,the narra

119、tive of Afro-Optimism gains unprecedented relevance and urgency.Afro-Optimism isnt just a hopeful vision for Africas future;its a tangible roadmap driven by strategic reforms,robust investments,and a resilientmindset.While this years African Youth Survey indicates that Afro-Optimism is on the rise,w

120、ith 37%believing that the African continent is heading in the right direction compared to just 31%in 2022,there is much that can be done to raise the hopes of even more young Africans.The continent and certainly the world is going through turbulent economic times however,as a cautious optimist,a Pan

121、-African advising global economic policies,my belief in Africas immense potential is reinforced by its human capital,its natural capital and the zest for life that lies in Africa.Make no mistake we can achieve even higher levels of Afro-Optimism through economic reforms and business facilitation.Dur

122、ing my tenure as Botswanas Minister of Investment,Trade,and Industry,I had the privilege of spearheading reforms that drastically improved the ease of doing business.By reducing the time required to start a business from 49 days to just 7 and introducing an online business registration system,we dem

123、onstrated that Africa could compete on the global stage with efficiency and innovation.AFRO-OPTIMISM:CHARTING AFRICAS PATH TO A PROSPEROUS FUTUREBut these reforms were not just administrative changes;they were pivotal in mobilising domestic capital and attracting significant foreign direct investmen

124、t while also integrating local SMEs into global value chains.One of the cornerstones of Afro-Optimism is no question the embrace of the unstoppable digital transformation.In Botswana,we launched a digital economy strategy aimed at fostering an e-commerce ecosystem.This move is essential for integrat

125、ing African economies into the global digital marketplace,thus ensuring that African businesses can compete and thrive.The digital era offers a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional developmental stages and establish a robust digital infrastructure that supports innovation and entrepreneurship.

126、While not a monolith,it is important that legislative infrastructure in Africa is supportive of entrepreneurship by any means necessary;that our economic climate and the conditions for independent wealth creation are inclusive,and encourage a 2024-era sense of ownership.Bogolo Kenewendo was the youn

127、gest Cabinet Minister in Africa and in Botswanas history during her tenure.She is the former Cabinet Minister of Investment,Trade and Industry of Botswana.In her capacity as minister,Kenewendo was appointed by United Nations Secretary General Antnio Guterres in 2018 to the High-level Panel on Digita

128、l Cooperation,co-chaired by Melinda Gates and Jack Ma.In June 2022,Kenewendo was appointed as Special Advisor and Africa Director to the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions.14 InsightIn Botswana,we undertook the first policy hackathon on the National Entrepreneurship Policy(NEP).This

129、event marked a significant shift in policy-making by actively involving young people for the first time.By bringing together public and private sector leaders,the hackathon aimed to dismantle longstanding barriers to innovative entrepreneurship and ensure that the new NEP was inclusive and reflectiv

130、e of the communitys needs.This collaborative approach was crucial for the successful implementation of the policy because,as I believe,no one has a monopoly on good ideas.Furthering our commitment to youth engagement,we incorporated young voices into the work of the United Nations Secretary-Generals

131、 Digital High-Level Panel.Hosting roundtables to consult and share the outcomes of the panel ensured that we had cross-pollination of ideas,allowing for a richer and more inclusive digital policy framework.This initiative not only empowered the youth but also ensured that their perspectives were con

132、sidered in shaping global digitalstrategies.Including the youth in the formation of digital economic policy strategies will fuel optimism among youth about the future direction of their national economies.At the moment,such optimism stands at a staggeringly low 28%,but by creating such frameworks,Af

133、ricas youth can be confident they are working within the right conditions to succeed.The world is undergoing a green transition and this is reflected in the direction of investment.Climate finance has doubled from USD 480 billion to USD 4.8 trillion worldwide in the last decade.Discussions have ofte

134、n been focused at the macro level,emphasising billions and trillions of dollars in global investments.However,it is time to bring this conversation to the micro level,where thousands and certainly millions of dollars can make a tangible difference for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the real economy.To cr

135、eate an enabling environment for these players,we must focus on deliberate investment,trade and industrial policies.We must create value,build competitiveness and facilitate trade.By easing the business environment and improving access to finance,we can create an ecosystem that nurtures SMEs and ali

136、gns with the ambitions of Africas youth for prosperity and development.The renaissance of industrial policy is crucial for value chain development especially within areas we have comparative advantage in.One would be remiss in not mentioning our vast resource wealth Africa holds 30%of the worlds tra

137、nsition minerals,positioning the continent as a critical player in the global greeneconomy.Industrial policy must prioritise the development of industries around these resources,ensuring that Africa benefits from the entire value chain from extraction to processing and manufacturing.The realisation

138、of true to life financing industrialization will also lead to the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA),which we have all worked hard to operationalise.To capitalise on such vast potential,we must build competitiveness at the continental,national and local level

139、s.This can be achieved through strategic reforms that make it easier to do business,facilitate trade,and improve access to trade finance and investment.Simplifying regulatory frameworks,investing in infrastructure,and enhancing digital connectivity are essential steps these efforts will not only att

140、ract domestic and foreign investment,but also empower local entrepreneurs to innovate and grow their businesses.If we tie all these elements together,we create an ecosystem that responds to the goals and ambitions of young Africans.This is what our common future is about.It aligns with the vision of

141、 Africa Vision 2063,which seeks to create a prosperous,integrated and united continent.By focusing on sustainable development,digital transformation and industrial policy,we can realise the Africa we want.Afro-Optimism is more than a vision;it is a call to action for Africa and its global partners.I

142、t requires a concerted effort to implement strategic reforms,embrace digital transformation,foster sustainable development,and invest in human capital.By doing so,we can unlock Africas vast potential and ensure a prosperous and inclusive future for all.As we continue to forge this path,let us remain

143、 steadfast in our belief in Africas promise and our commitment to turning that promise into reality.Insight 15Following the drop in Afro-Optimism among youth in the African Youth Survey 2022,positivity is rebounding in 2024 as youth are more confident about the future of their continent,country and

144、economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.Perceptions that the African continent is heading in the right direction have risen from 31%in 2022 to 37%today,and are now close to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2020(40%).Most likely to say Africa is going in the right direction:Rwanda(92%),Cte dIvoire(90

145、%),and Tanzania(72%)Most likely to say Africa is going in the wrong direction:Nigeria(84%),Cameroon/Chad(66%),and Congo Brazzaville(62%)African youth also express greater optimism about the future direction of their country than in 2022.Confidence that their country is moving on the right path has i

146、ncreased from 27%in 2022 to 32%in 2024.While agreement about country direction has rebounded in 2024,optimism still remains slightly below levels of positivity in 2020(38%)with two-thirds(66%)still expressing negativity towards the future trajectory of their country.Most likely to say their country

147、is going in the right direction:Rwanda(98%),Cte dIvoire(91%),and Tanzania(62%)Most likely to say their country is going in the wrong direction:Nigeria(94%),Cameroon(89%),and Congo Brazzaville(79%)Likewise,while optimism about the future direction of the national economy has seen a slight increase si

148、nce 2022,rising from 25%to 28%in 2024,over two-thirds of youth(69%)remain negative about their economic outlook.Similar to country direction,Ghana sees the sharpest decline in optimism about the direction of the national economy from 2022(-42%),while youth in Rwanda express significantly greater con

149、fidence(+41%)in their countrys economic outlook,rising to 95%in 2024.Perceptions about the future economic direction of their country are reflected in the World Banks Africas Pulse report.From bottoming out in 2023,economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to accelerate in 2024 and 2025 due

150、to greater private consumption driven by declining inflation rates.However,inflation remains high compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels,and economic growth remains below rates of expansion seen in the previous decade indicating transformative policies are needed to sustain economic growth for the

151、 long-term.1 Most likely to say their national economy is going in the right direction:Rwanda(95%),Cte dIvoire(85%),and Tanzania(59%)Most likely to say their national economy is going in the wrong direction:Nigeria(92%),Cameroon(86%),and Ghana(84%)1 https:/www.worldbank.org/en/publication/africa-pul

152、se Overall attitudes remain negative about the direction of the continent,individuals countries,and their national economies,but there are small improvements following dips during COVID.Death from infectious diseases remains the most impactful event of the past five years,though some countries worry

153、 about political instability.Addressing corruption is now the top barrier to progress followed by creating new,well-paying jobs.Afro-Optimism 17When asked to describe how they feel about the future of their country,nearly two-in-five youth(37%)reported feeling optimistic or excited,a five-point incr

154、ease from 2022.Youth in Rwanda and Cte dIvoire express particularly high levels of positivity towards the future of their country.For these markets,this sentiment permeates throughout most areas within this study,as youth consistently respond with positive views about key issues in their countries.H

155、owever,while positive perceptions about the future of their country have begun to rebound post-COVID-19,over two-in-five(43%)are less positive and this has stayed level from 2022(42%).Some of Africas largest and key economies such as Nigeria(54%),South Africa(54%),and Kenya(61%)are among the most pe

156、ssimistic or concerned about the future.Nigerian youth in particular consistently express high levels of concern,dissatisfaction,and general negativity towards current conditions and issues in the country.On top of the higher commodity and food and fuel prices,and headline inflation caused by the Ru

157、ssia-Ukraine conflict,these major African economies have been struck with low growth post-pandemic.2 Unfortunately,economic expectations predict growth in Africa to remain weak but stable in the context of economic challenges,climate issues,and geopolitical instability.3While levels of negativity re

158、main high,the majority of youth are concerned(34%)rather than pessimistic(9%)about the future of their country.This indicates that youth have not resigned themselves to expect the worst about the long-term trajectory of their country and still believe that things can be turned around.At this moment,

159、youth are using their voices to call on leaders in their countries to take action in order to address current and future challenges facing Africa.2 https:/www.chathamhouse.org/2023/01/africa-2023-continuing-political-and-economic-volatility 3 https:/www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/upload

160、s/sites/45/WESP_2024_Web.pdf RwandaCtedIvoireTanzaniaBotswanaNamibiaGabonKenyaMalawiGhanaCongo Br.EthiopiaZambiaChadSouthAfricaCameroonNigeria92%90%72%44%41%39%38%36%36%33%32%31%29%26%24%10%7%6%26%53%44%49%59%61%56%62%57%59%66%59%66%84%Wrong directionRight direction*Missing values=Dont know Wrong di

161、rectionRight directionAfrican Continent Direction202040%48%202231%58%202437%55%*Comparing only countries asked in 2020,2022 and 2024,so figures will differ slightly to the 2024 overall figure which contains 6 additional countries18 Afro-Optimism*Missing values=Dont know National economy question not

162、 asked in 2020Country DirectionWrong directionRight direction202227%69%202432%66%202038%60%RwandaCte dIvoireTanzaniaGabonNamibiaBotswanaKenyaChadEthiopiaMalawiZambiaSouth AfricaGhanaCongo Br.CameroonNigeria98%91%62%56%42%38%28%25%25%23%23%22%21%19%10%6%2%6%35%41%52%61%71%73%71%76%76%74%76%79%89%94%W

163、rong directionRight directionNational Economy Direction25%69%202228%69%2024RwandaCte dIvoireTanzaniaGabonBotswanaNamibiaMalawiSouth AfricaEthiopiaChadKenyaZambiaCongo Br.GhanaCameroonNigeria95%85%59%51%36%34%23%23%22%20%18%17%15%13%12%6%5%8%39%45%63%58%75%71%70%75%81%82%82%84%86%92%Wrong directionRi

164、ght directionAfro-Optimism 19Optimism and Excitement Towards FutureShowing%selecting Optimistic+ExcitedRwanda91%72%67%47%42%38%36%36%32%29%22%22%21%20%18%16%Cte dIvoireGabon Tanzania NamibiaCongo Br.ChadEthiopiaGhana BotswanaKenyaMalawiZambiaNigeria Cameroon South Africa Most likely to feel optimist

165、ic or excited about the future of their country:Rwanda(91%),CtedIvoire(72%),and Gabon(67%)Most likely to feel pessimistic or concerned about the future of their country:Malawi(61%),Nigeria/South Africa(54%),and Kenya(52%)Past and Future ChallengesWhile there are clear signs that Afro-Optimism is reb

166、ounding in the wake of COVID-19,the impact of unprecedented socioeconomic challenges for the continent and the world as a whole persist.Two-in-five youth(39%)say that deaths from infectious diseases such as COVID-19,Ebola,tuberculosis,While positive perceptions about the future of their country have

167、 begun to rebound,more remain negative than positive about the future20202022Pessimistic9%9%9%Optimistic28%23%27%Excited15%9%10%Uncertain20%24%20%Concerned26%33%34%2024Most impactful event of last 5 yearsDeaths from infectious disease Political instabilityThe technological/digital revolutionIncrease

168、d access to essential services and resources Environmental challengesDemocratic changes International involvement in Africa42%43%35%43%32%37%20 Afro-OptimismMOST IMPACTFUL EVENT OF LAST FIVE YEARS14%Political instability202245%15%9%8%5%10%7%202439%14%11%11%9%9%7%Most impactful event of last 5 yearsD

169、eaths from infectious disease Political instabilityThe technological/digital revolutionIncreased access to essential services and resources Environmental challengesDemocratic changes International involvement in Africa50%Congo Br.56%Zambia49%Gabon48%Kenya47%Botswana35%Ethiopia31%Cameroon26%CtedIvoir

170、e39%Deaths from infectious disease continue to be the most impactful events in recent memory for African YouthAfro-Optimism 21malaria,and HIV/AIDS is the event that has had the largest impact on Africa in the past five years.While this has slightly declined from 45%in 2022,it continues to be by far

171、the most impactful event of recent years followed by political instability(14%),the technological digital revolution(11%),and increased access to essential services and resources(11%).The only exceptions where deaths from infectious diseases is not seen to be the most impactful event are Ethiopia,Ca

172、meroon,and Cte dIvoire,where youth say political instability has had the biggest impact on Africa in the past five years.Looking ahead to the next five years,African youth feel the top priority for the continent to progress and move forward should be reducing government corruption(23%).According to

173、the 2023 Corruption Perception Index,Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the lowest average score,despite isolated improvements in some Reducing government corruptionKenya:35%;Nigeria:33%;Congo Br./Zambia:28%Creating new,well-paying jobsCameroon:41%;Nigeria:32%;South Africa:25%Increasing acce

174、ss to basic needs and servicesZambia:23%;Nigeria/South Africa:21%;Chad/Tanzania:19%Modernizing the education systemMalawi/Nigeria/Zambia:19%;Congo Br./Ethiopia:18%;Botswana:17%Achieving peace and stability in AfricaCte dIvoire:32%;Ethiopia:25%;Rwanda:23%Making it easier to start a businessCongo Br:2

175、3%;Rwanda:20%;Botswana:19%Building a culture of innovation and entrepreneurshipKenya:16%;Cameroon:15%;Botswana/Rwanda:14%Granting more personal freedoms to citizens Tanzania:16%;Cte dIvoire/Ethiopia/Gabon:15%;South Africa:13%Embracing digital and technological innovationCte dIvoire:16%;Rwanda:13%;Bo

176、tswana/Tanzania:12%Addressing climate change/global warmingTanzania:17%;Gabon:15%;Malawi:14%Most Important Things for Africa to ProgressTOP 3 COUNTRIES23%20%17%15%15%14%12%11%10%10%22%28%15%17%13%13%13%11%10%6%28%24%16%15%17%10%12%6%6%4%20202022202422 Afro-Optimismcountries,with pressure mounting on

177、 both democracy and the rule of law.4 The emphasis youth place on reducing government corruption has increased slightly from 22%in 2022 and has taken the top priority spot from creating new,well-paying jobs(20%),which has fallen from 28%in 2022.The only exceptions where these two issues are not seen

178、 as the top priorities for the continent to progress are Ethiopia,Rwanda,and Cte dIvoire where youth place greater importance on achieving peace and stability in Africa.Youth in Tanzania also have a slightly different perspective on progress for the continent,with increasing access to basic needs an

179、d services(19%)being outlined as the key priority for moving forward,followed by creating new,well-paying jobs(18%).4 The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories around the globe by their perceived levels of public sector corruption,scoring on a scale of 0(highly corrupt)to 100(very clean).https:/ww

180、w.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023 Afro-Optimism 23The changing perceptions of foreign influence among African youth today mark a pivotal moment in the continents quest for self-determination and political reform.Overall,the 2024 African Youth Survey illustrates a broad trend where African youth perceiv

181、e foreign influence in a negative light when viewed abstractly.Despite gaining political independence,African nations continue to struggle under the shadow of neocolonialism through the vicious cycle of unfavourable foreign policy,international borrowing and debt,and entrenched domestic poverty.The

182、2024 Africa Youth Survey reveals intriguing shifts in Africas rising generations perceptions of the value of foreign powers influence on African nations.This data uncovers a growing dissatisfaction among young Africans with external relations between African governments and global superpowers includ

183、ing the United States,China,the European Union andRussia.In 2024,just over half of African youth(55%)viewed former colonial powers as having a positive influence on their country,while nearly one third(31%)considered their influence to be negative.The European Unions influence has also waned,with a

184、14-point drop in positive perceptions since the first survey conducted in 2020.Survey respondents view former colonial powers influences differently,with 69%viewing Frances influence positively,and the UK,now outside of the EU,garnering a much higher positive perception from 85%of respondents.This d

185、isparity underscores a AFRICAS YOUTH ARE CALLING FOR TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE IN AFRICAS POLITICAL LANDSCAPE,CHALLENGING CORRUPT AND NEO-COLONIAL SYSTEMS WHILE ASSERTING THEIR RIGHTFUL ROLE IN SHAPING THEIR COUNTRIES FUTURES.Esther Wadzanai Mano,a Zimbabwean scholar-activist who recently completed an M

186、Phil in African Studies at the University of Cambridge,examines the legacy of colonialism through the lens of liberation and education.An Earlham College graduate and former Watson Fellow,she advocates for decoloniality and educational equity.24 Insightdeeper divide between anglophone and francophon

187、e African youth.In francophone countries such as Niger,Burkina Faso and Mali,recent anti-colonial actions such as the formation of the African Economic Confederation(AES)reflect a strong,immediate push against perceived colonial dominance,with youth actively supporting these shifts in political alle

188、giance and power.This support has led to significant political changes,including the expulsion of French and U.S.military forces from francophone West African nations.While fewer than half of African youth respondents(41%)view Russia as having a significant influence on their country,68%of young Afr

189、icans view this influence positively.This disparity is likely due to Russias increased efforts to engage Africa in the recent past more than foreign actors,despite the unpopular war in the Ukraine and resultant global boycotts.Declining from 78%in 2020,70%of African youth in 2024 see the U.S.having

190、an impact on their country.Meanwhile,76%of African youth see a direct Chinese impact in their country,a marked decline from 83%in 2020.Interestingly,the character of these influences is shifting.More young Africans now view Chinese influence positively 82%this year compared to 78%two years ago while

191、 fewer,79%,see America having a positive influence,a steeper dive from 87%in 2020,reflecting growing discontent with American foreign involvement.This trend underscores a growing resistance to Western imperialism and a preference for more equitable partnerships in Africas economic and political land

192、scape.Although these changes are incremental,they indicate a broader re-evaluation by African youth of foreign involvement and its impact on African nations,a waning confidence in traditional Western powers and a nuanced shift in perceptions towards China.According to the 2024 survey,nearly three-qu

193、arters(72%)of young Africans are concerned about the influence foreign countries and organisations have on the continent and in their country,a decrease from 74%in 2022 and 81%in 2020.This reduction,continues to signify a significant awareness and resistance against external control.The growing wave

194、 of youth uprisings across Africa from Kenya,to Senegal,to Nigeria reveals,that African youth today are increasingly rejecting bad governance,economic injustice,systemic corruption,and the legacy of colonial exploitation.Recent events in Kenya serve as a potent example of the findings of the 2024 Af

195、rican Youth Survey.Kenya has witnessed a powerful outpouring of youth-led protests against a controversial Presidential tax bill backed by the IMF-World Bank alliance,which would have significantly increased taxes on everyday essentials amid soaring unemployment and inflation.The unrest met with vio

196、lent state-led repression and loss of life,underscoring the disconnect between the Kenyan youths and the Kenyan government,recently designated as a“Major Non-NATO Ally.”This designation reflects an ongoing pattern of Western interference that often masquerades as support while entrenching economic a

197、nd political subservience.Despite President Rutos subsequent withdrawal of the controversial finance bill,the protests have continued,along with calls for the Presidents removal.Sparking widespread youth-led conversations across the continent,this dynamic,corroborated by the 2024 African Youth Surve

198、y,underscores a powerful desire among young Africans for their voices to be central in national governance,diplomacy and policy-making.Youth in Kenya exemplify a resounding pan-African youth call for transformative change in Africas political landscape,challenging corrupt and neocolonial systems whi

199、le asserting the rightful role of youth in shaping their countries futures.I stand in solidarity with the young people across the African continent who have been at the forefront of recent waves of protest,driven by discontent with current living conditions and our political leaders failure to ameli

200、orate them.This rising tide of youth resistance highlights a crucial juncture for Africa:a critical need for unity and a decisive break from Western dominance.As we navigate these shifts,we,African youth,must stay vigilant and proactive in reclaiming our autonomy and shaping our futures free from ex

201、ternal domination.How can we harness this growing awareness to foster self-determination and empowerment?How might these evolving perceptions of foreign influence impact our collective drive forsovereignty?The recent protests in Kenya,along with similar uprisings across Africa,underscore a significa

202、nt trend:African youth are increasingly demanding self-determination and pushing back against imperialist influences.How will you contribute to this movement?Insight 25When asked about the influence foreign countries and organisations have on the continent and their country,African youth continue to

203、 convey high levels of concern with over seven-in-ten(72%)saying they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about their impact.However,this sentiment is trending down over time,dropping from 74%in 2022 and 81%in 2020.Youth in South Africa express the highest levels of concern about foreign powers

204、,where nine-in-ten(90%)say they are concerned and two-in-three(66%)say they are very concerned.By contrast,only half of youth in Rwanda(49%)say that they are concerned with just one-in-five(19%)saying they are very concerned.The high levels of concern among South African youth could be attributed to

205、 the strong sentiment within the country for promoting a more multipolar world order that provides better representation and agency for developing nations,supplanting the antagonistic bipolarity of a US-China dominated world order.The influence of foreign powers could be viewed negatively as a means

206、 to prevent countries from advocating for their own interests in international forums,and pushing for fairer inclusion in the global financial system.1 Highest levels of concern about the impact of foreign powers on their country:South Africa(90%),Congo Brazzaville(81%),and Kenya(80%)Lowest levels o

207、f concern about the impact of foreign powers on their country:Rwanda(49%),Cte dIvoire(54%),and Chad(58%)Assessing the various levels of influence different foreign actors have on the continent,African youth continue to see 1 https:/carnegieendowment.org/research/2023/12/south-africa-in-the-emerging-

208、world-order?lang=en China(76%)as having the greatest impact on the region,with more than half(51%)saying it has a lot of influence on their country.The United States is a close second(70%),with over two-in-five(42%)youth saying it has a lot of influence on their country.However,for many countries an

209、d international organisations,their perceived influence has trended down over time,particularly for China,the World Trade Organisation,the European Union,and the United Kingdom.At the same time,the perceived influence of the United States,the African Union,and France declined from 2020 to 2022 but h

210、ave plateaued since.Most likely to say China has influence on their country:Kenya(96%),Rwanda(85%),and Congo Br.(81%)Most likely to say the United States has influence on their country:Kenya(94%),Ghana/Rwanda(85%),and Nigeria(79%)The United States,China,and Russia have been vying for allies in Afric

211、a,with Chinas economic rise raising the geopolitical stakes,and Russia acting as a spoiler to Western interests.However,this notion of a“scramble”for diplomatic influence and natural resources where African states are utilised by global powers needs to take into account the actions of many African c

212、ountries leveraging these powers against each other in order to achieve their own strategic interests.An example of this is South Africa,which continues to reinforce its strong intra-BRIC relationship with China and Russia alongside maintaining beneficial economic and political relations with the US

213、.22 https:/www.cfr.org/blog/new-scramble-africa;https:/carnegieendowment.org/2023/12/21/south-africa-in-emerging-world-order-pub-91310;https:/www.chathamhouse.org/2023/08/symbolism-over-substance-south-africa-ramaphosa-announces-brics-30 Seven-in-ten remain concerned about the influence of foreign p

214、owers with China and the US seen to have the greatest influence,though many view it positively.For China,positivity is driven by affordable products and investments in infrastructure,while those who see the USs influence as positive point to economic support offered.Although Russia is not viewed as

215、one of the most influential international powers in the region,an increasing proportion negatively view the impact of this influence in their country,mainly driven by the detrimental impacts being felt from Russias engagement in conflicts.International Influence on Africa 27FOREIGN INFLUENCESOf all

216、the foreign actors seen to have an influence on the continent,youth still see China as having by far the biggest impact.How much influence,if any at all,do you think the following countries/organisations have on your country and is it positive or negative?POSITIVEINFLUENCEDespite the perceived downw

217、ard trajectory of influence,positivity towards this influence has remained high with around three-quarters agreeing that the impact of most foreign actors in their country has been very positive or somewhat positive.This rises to around four-in-five youth for China,the African Union,the World Trade

218、Organisation,the United Kingdom,and the United States.While positive perceptions of the African Unions influence remain some of the highest across all foreign countries and organisations,these perceptions have continued to decline,falling from 87%in 2020 to 84%in 2022 and now down to 80%in 2024.Infl

219、uence=A lot+some influencePositive=Very+somewhat positiveUS79%70%80%61%WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION28 International Influence on Africaof African youth are concerned about the influence from foreign powers72%2022:74%2020:81%TOP 3 COUNTRIES:South Africa:90%Congo Br.:81%Kenya:80%BOTTOM 3 COUNTRIES:Chad:58

220、%Cte dIvoire:54%Rwanda:49%UK80%56%FRANCE69%51%ISRAEL70%34%RUSSIA68%41%TURKEY67%33%UAE70%38%AFRICAN UNION80%64%SAUDI ARABIA67%34%INDIA74%35%82%76%CHINA57%24%IRAN73%59%EUROPEAN UNIONInternational Influence on Africa 29Specifically thinking about the influence of former colonial powers,across a range o

221、f issues3 just over half of African youth(55%)think that former colonial powers have a positive influence on their country.At the overall level,African youth are most positive towards the influence of former colonial powers on education and training in their country(61%),followed by trade and trade

222、relations(60%),foreign direct investment(57%),and military support(56%)to their country.General positivity towards former colonial powers is highest 3 Issues include education and training,trade and trade relations,foreign direct investment,military support,access to and use of natural resources,pol

223、itics and leadership,and culture and identity in my country.among youth in Kenya where seven-in-ten youth(71%)are positive about the British colonial impact on their country.On the other hand,a third of youth(31%)say former colonial powers have a negative impact on their country,and this rises to ar

224、ound half of youth in Gabon(52%)and Cameroon(47%).Negative sentiment in Gabon and Cameroon is likely driven by the gradual increases in public opinion turning against France,rejecting French influence,and blaming it for all the regions ills.For Gabon in particular,youth have perceived a significant

225、increase in the influence of France on their country,from 66%in 2022 to 81%in 2024,potentially a driving force exacerbating negative sentiment among youth.Positivity Towards Influence of Former Colonial Powers on their CountryShowing%selecting Very positive+Somewhat positive55%31%Overall,just over h

226、alf of youth think that former colonial powers have a positive influence while a third say that it is negativeEducation and trainingTrade and trade relationsForeign direct investmentAccess to and use of natural resources Military supportPolitics and leadershipCulture and identity60%56%56%50%44%46%61

227、%60%57%56%49%47%2024202246%52%30 International Influence on AfricaForeign Companies and ResourcesDespite the high levels of positivity towards all major foreign countries and organisations,there is still strong concern among African youth about the impact of foreign companies extracting resources fr

228、om their country.Two-in-three(65%)believe that foreign companies have been allowed to take advantage of their countrys resources without sufficiently benefiting or contributing to local populations,and this conviction has remained high from 2022(65%).Adding to worries about the exploitation and extr

229、action of natural resources by foreign companies is widespread concern about corruption within international companies,with over two-thirds of youth(68%)very concerned or somewhat concerned.This concern rises to over around four-in-five youth in Cameroon(84%),Botswana(81%),Nigeria(80%),and Kenya(78%

230、),while in Cte dIvoire concern falls to just two-in-five youth.As stated above,the exploitation and extraction of natural resources by foreign companies without fair compensation to locals is the primary driver of negative sentiment towards Chinese and American influence in the region,and the second

231、 highest factor behind negative perceptions towards Russias impact.Concerns about resource exploitation and extraction are particularly high in Cte dIvoire(85%),South Africa(82%),and Nigeria(79%).In contrast,76%of Rwandan youth disagree that foreign companies have taken advantage of their countrys n

232、atural resources.Nonetheless,across all markets,there is strong approval towards policies that limit the influence of foreign companies and only allow natural resources to be extracted by local companies(67%).This sentiment could be further supported by foreign nations like the United States and Rus

233、sia having increased interest in natural resources(especially minerals)in Africa.1 At least half of youth in all markets approve of these policies,with strongest support in Cameroon(86%),South Africa(76%),and Kenya(74%).1 https:/www.csis.org/analysis/central-african-republic-mine-displays-stakes-wag

234、ner-groups-future67%support limiting natural resource extraction to local companiesConcern about Corruption in International Companiesthat foreign companies have taken advantage of my countrys resources without benefitting locals.AGREE 65%DISAGREE 33%Overall Cameroon Botswana Nigeria Kenya Congo Br.

235、Ethiopia South Africa Zambia Ghana Malawi Tanzania Gabon Namibia Chad Rwanda Cte dIvoireSomewhat concernedVery concerned35%13%34%26%42%21%43%37%51%45%37%38%42%38%41%47%6%68%84%81%80%78%72%72%71%70%70%69%68%62%60%58%54%40%33%41%24%34%20%47%26%33%19%26%35%34%36%42%40%37%34%International Influence on A

236、frica 31CHINA82%Perceive China to have a positive influencePerceptions of Chinas InfluenceWhile African youth see China as the most influential international actor in their countries,Chinas perceived influence continues to decline from 83%agreeing that it has influence on their country in 2020 to 79

237、%in 2022 to 76%in 2024.This reflects broader trends that identify Chinas slowed economic growth and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic compounded with US-China trade tensions,shifting patterns in Chinas capital outflows and political priorities,and growing debt concerns as factors reshaping econ

238、omic and political dynamics between China and Africannations.4 Despite this,positivity among youth towards Chinas impact on their country has increased from 78%in 2022 to 82%in 2024.Positive perceptions of Chinas influence are near universal among youth in Rwanda and Chad(both 96%),Kenya(95%),and Ni

239、geria(93%),while youth in Gabon(60%),Ethiopia(63%),and Namibia(70%)are least likely to say their influence is positive.Furthermore,youth identify Jack Ma,the co-founder of Alibaba Group,and Xi Jinping,President of the Peoples Republic of China,among the global political figures and business leaders

240、that will have the biggest impact on Africa in the near future.Youth that view Chinas influence as positive continue to highlight the affordability of Chinese products(41%)and Chinese investments in and support developing infrastructure projects(40%)as the primary drivers of positive perceptions.Chi

241、na-Africa trade relations have been growing over the past two decades,primarily driven by increasing value of Chinese exports to African countries while commodity price drops on the global markets have led to declining values for African exports to China.In addition,Chinese investments into 4 https:

242、/www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2024/02/23/Navigating-the-Evolving-Landscape-between-China-and-Africas-Economic-Engagements-545104 Drivers of Positive Perceptions of ChinaChinese products are affordableInvests in and helps develop infrastructureProvides my country with important loans&economi

243、c supportCreates employment opportunities for people in my countryProvides a market for exporting goods from my countryProvides training and skill development for local workers2024202241%41%44%40%30%35%30%22%18%37%15%14%32 International Influence on Africainfrastructure projects across the continent

244、 have expanded in scope and ambition since the launch of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative in 2013.5 Youth in Kenya(64%)and Ghana(43%)are mainly positive towards the provision of loans and economic support from China,while youth in Botswana(46%)are primarily positive about the employment opportunities

245、 created by Chinas influence in their country.Additionally,there is a small but growing proportion of African youth that say China provides a market for exporting goods from their country,rising from 15%in 2022 to 22%in 2024.However,youth are less likely to say that China is creating employment oppo

246、rtunities for people in their country,declining from 37%in 2022 to 30%in 2024.Among the minority(17%)of African youth that view Chinas influence on their country as negative,the exportation of natural resources without fair compensation and benefit(35%)continues to be the primary driver of this sent

247、iment.Chinas demand for energy and raw materials to maintain its position as an economic powerhouse requires concerted foreign engagement with Sub-Saharan Africa that directly ties this region to Chinas industrial policy and foreign direct investment(FDI)strategies.Chinese FDI in Africa had been ste

248、adily increasing over the last few decades,peaking at US$5billion in 2021,however,this contracted to US$1.8 billion in 2022 with the impacts and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.6 As such,negative perceptions of Chinas influence in Africa are also driven by concerns surrounding Chinese investments

249、 being a form of economic colonialism(27%)and Chinese workers taking employment opportunities away from locals.In addition,there is a noticeable increase in youth that are frustrated with Chinese companies not training-up or providing skills to locals,increasing from 13%in 2022 to 25%in 2024,while f

250、eelings that Chinese companies do not respect local values and traditions has declined from2022.5 https:/www.sais-cari.org/data-china-africa-trade;https:/www.chathamhouse.org/2023/01/china-africa-relations 6 https:/www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/China-in-Sub-Saharan-Africa-Reachi

251、ng-far-beyond-natural-resources.pdf;https:/www.sais-cari.org/chinese-investment-in-africa Chinese companies are exporting our natural resources without fair compensationChinese investments in my country are a form of economic colonialismChinese workers are taking employment opportunities away from l

252、ocalsChinese companies do not train-up or provide skills to localsMy country is having/will have trouble repaying loans to ChinaA lack of respect for my countrys values and traditionsChinese companies only employ Chinese workersInterference in the domestic affairs of my countryDrivers of Negative Pe

253、rceptions of China2024202235%38%23%26%13%25%22%21%19%18%14%27%26%16%9%26%17%Perceive China to have a negative influenceInternational Influence on Africa 33Perceptions of Russias influenceWhile African youth do not view Russia as one of the most influential international actors in the region,around t

254、wo-in-five(41%)continue to see it as having influence on their country,a level well below that of the US and China.For Malawi and South Africa in particular,the perceived influence of Russia in these countries has increased significantly from 2022.Among Malawian youth,Russias influence jumps from 14

255、%in 2022 to 49%in 2024,while in South Africa,perceptions increase from 34%in 2022 to 57%in 2024.These increases are potentially driven by Russias invasion of Ukraine and the ramifications of this conflict being felt globally.Specifically among Malawian youth,another likely factor behind increasing p

256、erceptions of Russias influence are the donations of fertilisers that have supported smallholders and subsistence farmers in Malawi,who make up the vast majority of the population,to circumvent rising costs and fertilisershortages.Overall,perceptions of Russias influence have remained stable and pos

257、itive over time at around two-in-three(68%),well-behind the perceived positive influence of the US and China.Nonetheless,when asked which global political or business RUSSIA68%Perceive Russia to have a positive influenceDrivers of Positive Perceptions of RussiaRussia provides my country with grain a

258、nd fertiliserThere is a strong history of relations with my country and RussiaRussia provides my country with important loans and economic supportRussian military groups help to keep my country stable30%45%41%57%34 International Influence on Africaleaders will have the biggest impact on the continen

259、t,youth expect Vladimir Putin to be one of the most influential foreign leaders in Africa in the near future.Russia is increasingly leveraging anti-Western sentiment to reinforce its influence on the African continent amid geopolitical competition with the West.Although Russias involvement across th

260、e continent falls well short to that of both China and the West,some African governments,such as South Africa,are pivoting towards Moscow.This is likely driven by frustrations with the failures of Western intervention,lack of African representation in international institutions,and desires of Africa

261、n nations to engage with a variety of partners in order to strengthen their positions at home and abroad.7Those that hold positive perceptions of Russias influence in their country cite the provision of Russian grain and fertiliser to their country(57%)as by far the main factor driving these views.B

262、eyond this,youth also highlight the strong history of relations between their country and Russia(45%)and economic support in the form of important 7 https:/www.cfr.org/backgrounder/russias-growing-footprint-africa 30%Perceive Russia to have a negative influenceDrivers of Negative Perceptions of Russ

263、iaRussias engagement in conflicts negatively impacts my countryRussian companies are exporting our natural resources without fair compensationRussias interest in my country is only to benefit their positionRussian military groups prop up undemocratic regimes in my countryRussian interference in the

264、domestic affairs of my countryRussian interference in elections in my country18%14%25%31%38%46%International Influence on Africa 3568%agree the Russia-Ukraine conflict could have been avoidedTOP 3 AGREEKenya:91%Congo Br./Zambia:78%Rwanda:76%TOP 3 DISAGREEGabon/Cte dIvoire:46%Ghana:33%Ethiopia:32%Rus

265、sian loans to their country(41%)as key issues driving up positive perceptions towards Russias influence in their country.Focusing particularly on the history of relations with Russia,this is seen as the main driver of positivity among South African(61%)and Tanzanian(61%)youth.These countries are amo

266、ng the top for perceived levels of Russian influence,with over seven-in-ten(71%)youth agreeing that Russia has an impact on their country.A sizable minority(30%)of African youth view the impact of Russias influence in their country negatively,and this proportion has increased from 23%in 2022.Negativ

267、e perceptions rise to around half of youth in Botswana(55%)and Gabon(49%),potentially driven by their views towards Russias engagement in its conflict with Ukraine.By far the primary source of negative sentiment towards Russian influence is the detrimental impacts on African countries caused by Russ

268、ias engagement in conflicts(46%).The Human Rights Foundation explains the all-encompassing negative impact Russian conflicts and their private mercenaries have caused across a range of African countries through the resulting human rights abuses,democratic erosion,corruption,organised crime,disinform

269、ation campaigns and economic hardships from lack of grain and fertilizer imports from Ukraine.8 Negativity is also driven by perceptions that Russian companies are exporting natural resources without fair compensation and benefits to locals(38%),Russias interest in their country is only to benefit t

270、heir position on the global stage(31%),and the involvement of Russian military groups in propping up undemocratic regimes(25%).8 https:/hrf.org/russias-influence-in-sudan/RUSSIAUKRAINE36 International Influence on AfricaPrimary Responsibility for Russia-Ukraine Conflict32%23%21%15%9%TOP 3 COUNTRIESG

271、hana/Gabon:47%Congo Br.:46%Rwanda:42%US/EU/NATOTOP 3 COUNTRIESBotswana:45%Zambia:39%South Africa:32%RUSSIATOP 3 COUNTRIESNigeria:45%Zambia:39%Chad:27%EVERYONE SHARES SOME BLAMETOP 3 COUNTRIESTanzania:26%Ethiopia:24%Rwanda:19%UKRAINETOP 3 COUNTRIESChad:23%Cameroon:22%Namibia:19%DONT KNOWFocusing spec

272、ifically on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict,over two-thirds of African youth(68%)agree that the conflict could have been avoided,with over two-in-five(42%)saying they strongly agree.Across all markets,at least half of youth agree with this sentiment,rising to near unanimous agreement among Kenya

273、n youth(91%).However,in Cte dIvoire and Gabon,nearly half(46%)disagree with the viewpoint that the conflict could have been avoided.When assigning responsibility for the Russia-Ukraine conflict,African youth are most likely to place primary blame on political leaders from the United States,European

274、Union,and NATO(32%)for the outbreak of the war.By contrast,just over one-in-five(23%)say that Russian political leaders are primarily responsible for the conflict.A fifth(21%)of youth believe primary responsibility rests with everyone,while just 15%think Ukrainian political leaders are to blame.Howe

275、ver,youth in Botswana(45%),Zambia(39%),and South Africa(32%)are most likely to place the blame for the conflict on Russian political leaders,while Nigeria is the only market where the majority say that everyone shares blame for the outbreak of war(45%).The sentiment among South African youth of Russ

276、ia being to blame for the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows a misalignment between the South African publics views on the conflict and the countrys decision to engage in a strategic partnership with Russia.99 https:/crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12185International Influence on Africa 37USAPer

277、ceptions of AmericasinfluenceAlthough the influence of many foreign countries and organisations has trended down since 2020,the perceived impact of the United States has plateaued in 2024(70%)following a dip from 78%in 2020 to 69%in 2022.Youth continue to perceive the US as one of the most influenti

278、al foreign actors in the region,second only to China(76%).Furthermore,there is an expectation among African youth that American political and business leaders Joe Biden,Donald Trump,Bill Gates,Elon Musk,and Mark Zuckerburg will be among the most impactful foreign leaders in Africa in the next five y

279、ears.While there has been a sizable uptick in positive perceptions towards the USs influence,rising from 75%in 2022 to 79%in 2024,this is still significantly below 2020 levels of positivity(87%).Nonetheless,nearly two-in-five African youth(38%)now view the USs influence as very positive,primarily ci

280、ting the provision of important 79%Perceive the US to have a positive influence21%Perceive the US to have a negative influenceDrivers of Positive Perceptions of the USThe United States provides my country with important loans and economic supportCreates employment opportunities for people in my coun

281、tryInvests in and helps develop infrastructure in my countryProvides training and skill development for local workers in my countryProvides a market for exporting goods from my countryAmerican products are affordable27%18%30%33%33%41%Drivers of Negative Perceptions of the USAmerican companies are ex

282、porting our natural resources without fair compensationInterference in the domestic affairs of my countryAmerican investments in my country are a form of economic colonialismA lack of respect for my countrys values and traditionsMy country is having/will have trouble repaying loans to the USAmerican

283、 companies do not train-up or provide skills to local employees29%20%31%31%32%36%38 International Influence on AfricaForeign investment in your countryPromoting gender equality in your countryPolitical support/relations with my countryTrade relations with your countryMilitary support for your countr

284、yYouth empowerment in your country Same under both24%25%24%25%24%25%44%44%44%42%42%42%24%23%23%23%24%24%BidenAcross a range of measures,most youth say they expect their country will be better off under a Biden administration.Showing Better under.Perceptions Towards Future Biden andTrump Administrati

285、onsTrumploans and economic support to their country by the US(41%).Beyond this,the creation of employment opportunities for people in their country(33%),support investing in and developing infrastructure projects in their country(33%),and the provision of training courses and skill development for l

286、ocal workers(30%)are other key reasons behind the positive perceptions of US influence in the region.Among the minority of youth(21%)that view US influence in their country negatively,the exportation of natural resources without fair compensation and benefit to locals(36%)is cited as the primary dri

287、ver of negative sentiment.Nearly a third are concerned about the interference of the US in the domestic affairs of their country(32%),view American investments as a form of economic colonialism(31%),feel the US lacks respect for their countrys values and traditions(31%),and believe US loans create c

288、urrent and future repayment issues for their country(29%).These ideas are further supported by recent conversations at the UN Security Council pushing for a focus on more inclusive“African solutions to African problems”and a need to separate from traditional responses citing recent success in Mozamb

289、ique.10When asked in January 2024 about the upcoming US election at the end of that year,around two-in-five youth believe their country will be better off across a range of measures11 under a future Biden administration.Around a quarter say they expect no difference in relations with the US under ei

290、ther leader,while a similar proportion say they think their country would be better off under a Trump administration.Given Kamala Harris experience as Bidens Vice President,this would suggest that youth are likely to be more supportive of a potential Harris presidency than a second Trump term.10 htt

291、ps:/press.un.org/en/2023/sc15249.doc.htm11 Measures include foreign investment,promotion of gender equality,political support/relations,trade relations,military support,and youth empowerment.International Influence on Africa 39Perceptions of European InfluenceWhen assessing the influence of European

292、 countries and the European Union(EU)in Africa,views of youth are mixed.The EU(59%)is seen as the fifth most influential foreign country or organisation,behind levels of perceived influence for the African Union(64%)and World Trade Organisation(61%)and well behind the top most influential countries

293、of China(76%)and the US(70%).Furthermore,its perceived influence has fallen significantly from 72%in 2020 and 63%in 2022,as has the perceived positivity of its influence in the region,dropping from 81%in 2020 to 75%in 2022 and 73%in 2024.Africas growing global significance and the reinforcement of m

294、ultiple poles of power in the world order have diversified its pool of potential international partners,making the EU an important but not exclusive choice and highlighting the potential for collaboration beyond aid.Amid increasing scepticism towards the Western-led global governance system,African

295、countries are pushing for more representation and challenging the current norms that characterises their partnership with theEU.1212 https:/ecdpm.org/work/trouble-paradise-eu-africa-partnership-geopolitical-context While the United Kingdom(56%)is identified as less influential in Africa compared to

296、the levels of perceived influence for China and the US,positivity towards the influence of the UK(80%)in Africa is among some of the highest,alongside that of the African Union(80%)and WTO(80%)and just behind China(82%).Additionally,although perceptions of UK influence have trended down from 64%in 2

297、020 to 58%in 2022 and now 56%in 2024,positive perceptions of this influence have remained stable post-pandemic,falling from 87%in 2020 to 79%in 2022 but then increasing slightly to 80%in 2024.In line with declining levels of perceived influence,UK-Africa trade and investment has consistently fallen

298、as a percentage of total UK trade since 2012,and Brexit has created additional barriers to trade and investment that affect both inward and outward flows from Africancountries.1313 https:/www.institute.global/insights/economic-prosperity/reset-and-revitalise-uk-africa-trade-and-investment EUROPEShow

299、ing%selecting A lot of influence+Some influenceInfluence of the European Union59%2022:63%2020:72%Showing%selecting Very positive+Somewhat positive73%2022:75%2020:81%Positive Influence of the European Union40 International Influence on AfricaIn contrast to the EU and UK,perceptions of Frances influen

300、ce in Africa have not trended down over time but have instead rebounded post-COVID-19.Between 2020 and 2022 Frances perceived influence dropped from 58%to 48%,however,in 2024 this has risen to 51%.Nonetheless,this is still lower than levels of influence from the EU(59%)and UK(56%).Positive perceptio

301、ns of Frances influence in Africa have also trended in a different way to that of the EU and UK,plateauing at 67%between 2020 and 2022 and now increasing to 69%in 2024.In recent years,France has framed its approach to the region in terms of a partnership with African economies and more dialogue with

302、 African societies.It has also provided support for African entrepreneurship and diaspora projects alongside partnership-based investments that have focused on building reciprocal,demanding and ambitious relationships with African nations.14Interestingly,when looking at the perceived influence of th

303、e UK and France among their former colonies,there is a clear divergence between the two countries.Among former British colonies,just under two-in-three youth(63%)say that the UK still has influence on their country with around one-in-three(34%)saying it has a lot of influence.However,youth in former

304、 British colonies overwhelmingly agree that the influence is positive over four-in-five(83%)strongly or somewhat agree that the influence is positive.By contrast,among youth in former French colonies,three-quarters(77%)say that France still has influence on their country,with over half(51%)saying it

305、 has a lot of influence.By contrast,just over half(55%)of youth in former French colonies say that France has a positive influence on their country to this date,with these sentiments being reflected in many recent anti-France protests in countries like Niger,Gabon,Mali,and Chad.14 https:/ecfr.eu/art

306、icle/operation-reciprocity-frances-evolving-relationship-with-africa/Showing%selecting A lot of influence+Some influenceInfluence of Foreign CountriesShowing%selecting Very positive+Somewhat positivePositive Influence of Foreign Countries 56%UK2022:58%2020:64%80%UK2022:79%2020:87%51%France2022:48%20

307、20:58%69%France2022:67%2020:67%International Influence on Africa 41UKRAINIAN-AFRICAN YOUTH SHARE THE DREAM OF A BETTERTOMORROWAmbassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of South Africa,the Republic of Mozambique and the Republic of Botswana.Prior to this,Ms Abravitova wa

308、s appointed as the Counsellor at the Embassy of Ukraine in Pretoria.Earlier,she served as the Counsellor of the Middle East and Africa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.Ms.Abravitova entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in March 2003.Her overseas tours have inclu

309、ded Ottawa(Canada),Brussels(Belgium),and Geneva(Switzerland).True friendship is based not just on narrow self-interests,but upon mutual benefit and shared values.This is why Ukraine considers our relations with Africa to be rooted in the ground of true friendship and,for this reason,to be enduring a

310、nd focused on a horizon where we both exchange the challenges of the moment for a brighter future warmed by the sun of our common principles.Because both Africa,with your great demographic and promise,and Ukraine,which looks to a world beyond war,are so invested in the future,we place great value on

311、 our youth.This African Youth Survey is thus inspirational from our perspective,and offers Ukraine insights on how we strengthen our friendship goingforward.Russias war of aggression against us has only reinforced our bonds with Africa,on which Ukraine has long placed a high priority.Until 2020,half

312、 of the grain imports for 15 African nations came from Ukraine and for seven African countries,Ukrainian grain accounted for 70percent.Unfortunately,Russias bombardment of our fields and blockades of our ports have interrupted this long-standing commercial relationship and directly led to a shortfal

313、l of more than 30 million tons of grain since 2022.In 2019,the year before first COVID-19 and then Russias invasion struck in successive blows,Africa as a whole was the destination for 10percent of our exports overall.Like many African states impacted by colonialism,Ukraine now knows first-hand the

314、costs of a 42 InsightLike many African states impacted by colonialism,Ukraine now knows first-hand the costs of a foreign power projecting itself on our sovereignty.foreign power projecting itself on our sovereignty.We share the goal of real independence and prosperity based on our own capabilities

315、and that is why our relationships in Africa transcend the quid-pro-quo dynamic inherent in those with neo-colonial powers.We speak the common language of equality,understanding that its benefits are often hard-won.It is noteworthy in this survey that Russia ranks as one of the lowest of foreign powe

316、rs tested both with respect to its relative influence(only 41percent called it influential)and the positive value it brings.The perceptions of Russian influence is very insightful,specifically that 31%feels that Russia is only interested in Africa to benefit their own position,and a quarter feels th

317、at Russian military groups are propping up undemocratic regimes in Africa.More alarming is the finding that 32%of Africas youth blames the Ukraine-Russia War on Western powers(US/EU/NATO)while only 23%blames Russia.A recent report by an African think tank details how foreign-sponsored disinformation

318、 has quadrupled in Africa since 2022,the year the previous African Youth Survey was conducted.That same report names Russia as the primary source of these efforts,which is unsurprising to us.This presents a clear call to action to ourselves and our Western allies to pay more attention to countering

319、the misinformation and fake news generated by Moscow that is indeed having a negative impact on thecontinent.To underline the point,state actors with malign intent want to undermine your trust in all institutions.That is because they see the world in zero sum terms,and by diminishing faith in others

320、,they believe their own cynical alternatives will appear somehow more attractive.This is a destructive approach to be sure,but for countries like Russia,which has diminished our capacity to provide Africa grain,for instance,it is an essential part of their external strategy.Ukraines outreach to Afri

321、ca is based not on division,but rather friendship,common values and trust.That is why,despite the challenges of war,we are opening new embassies this year and expanding our efforts at positive engagement across the continent.We will also continue our efforts to defy Russias Black Sea naval blockade

322、of our grain shipments,and in the past year have experienced some successes in this regard.Like Africans old and young,Ukrainians know that things of value often require a struggle we are committed to that fight.Just as the future offers great promise to Africas rising generation,Ukraine too is forw

323、ard-focused and intends to continue strengthening our common bonds in the yearsahead.Insight 43Despite high levels of concern about the influence of foreign powers in the region,African youth do not want their leaders to shy away from the global stage.When asked what the main priority for national l

324、eaders should be,youth are looking to leaders to balance both international and domestic issues nearly half want the focus to be on addressing domestic issues(45%),while the other half are split between increasing their countrys regional influence(23%)and expanding their countrys influence on the gl

325、obal stage(29%).Youth in Cameroon(76%)and Congo Brazzaville(73%)express the strongest desire for national leaders to prioritise domestic issues.On the other hand,in Tanzania,the dominant sentiment is focused on increasing their role within Africa(40%),while in Kenya,over half of youth(54%)say that t

326、hey want leaders to prioritise growing their presence on the global stage.Regardless of where youth want their leaders to focus attention,there is clear confidence in the ability of African leaders to influence issues on the global stage with two-thirds(64%)agreeing,and a further two-thirds(63%)beli

327、eving African leaders are included in key globaldiscussions.Youth are looking for their leaders to balance addressing domestic issues with increasing their countrys global influence.Most think their leaders have a voice and can drive change on the global stage and want to see their governments takin

328、g more direct engagement on international issues both within the continent and beyond44 Africas Role on the Global StageAddressing domestic issues within my countryIncreasing my countrys influence within AfricaIncreasing my countrys influence on the global stageDont knowWhich of thefollowing should

329、be the main priority for national leaders in your country?45%23%29%2%TOP 3 COUNTRIES:Kenya:54%South Africa:36%Nigeria/Zambia:35%TOP 3 COUNTRIES:Tanzania:40%Gabon/Malawi:30%Botswana:29%TOP 3 COUNTRIES:Cameroon:76%Congo Br.:73%Chad:58%Africas Role on the Global Stage 45When thinking about current affa

330、irs and international conflicts,two-thirds(69%)of African youth feel their leadership should play a more active role in negotiating peace settlements for international conflicts.This sentiment is strongest in Kenya(89%),Zambia(80%),and Rwanda/Tanzania(78%),reflecting the desire of some of these coun

331、tries to play a greater role in international affairs.In contrast,over a third of youth in Gabon(39%),Namibia(39%),Cameroon(37%),and South Africa(35%)disagree that their country should be taking a more active role in peace settlements.On the issue of actively engaging with international conflicts by

332、 offering military support and supplies,just under three-in-five youth(57%)believe that this is something their country should be doing.Similarly,Rwandan(79%),Kenyan(74%),and Tanzanian(70%)youth want their country to be more internationalist and offer military support and supplies,while around half

333、in Congo Brazzaville(51%),Cameroon(49%),and Chad(48%)disagree with taking a more active military role in international conflicts,in line with their desire for their governments to prioritise domestic issues.Thinking more broadly about taking positions on conflicts,just under three-in-five(57%)youth say their country should take a position on conflicts within the African continent,while agreement d