Young People in Africa Push for Change

From mid-June to early August, young Kenyans took to the streets to protest against rampant corruption and high taxes imposed by President William Ruto’s administration. In contrast, potential protests in Uganda were swiftly suppressed by police following President Yoweri Museveni's stern warning against dissent. These events underscore a broader trend across Africa, where a youthful population, disillusioned with the ruling elite, struggles to effect meaningful change. Africa is home to the world's youngest population, with over 400 million individuals aged 18 to 35. By 2030, it is projected that 42% of all young people entering the workforce will be African. Mohamed Abdulhalim from Lamu, Kenya, emphasizes the generational divide that hampers youth engagement in economic contributions and governance, fueling protests in Kenya and beyond. In response to the unrest, Ruto disbanded his cabinet in an attempt to placate the discontented youth. In Rwanda, however, the situation differs, as young people advocate for continued government engagement to prevent unrest. Deborah Mukundwa from Kigali highlights the disparity in access to education and information among youth, which limits their ability to participate in national discourse. She argues that without adequate infrastructure and resources, Africa's youth cannot realize their potential or influence policy effectively. Mukundwa calls for meaningful engagement between young people and their leaders, stressing the need for collaboration and support for youth-led initiatives. She envisions a future where young Africans are recognized and empowered to contribute to their communities and the continent at large.