By Paschal Norbert
Over 75% of Kenya’s population is under 35, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. With such a massive youth base, one might expect a groundswell of political disruption, especially against authoritarian regimes. But despite their demographic strength and digital savviness, young Africans are largely absent from sustained political revolt. Why?
In recent years, youth-led protests have erupted across the continent: Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement (2020), Uganda’s #FreeBobiWine campaign (2021), Zimbabwe’s “Zvakwana” movement, and Kenya’s #RejectFinanceBill protests (2024-2025). In Togo, youth opposed the extension of presidential term limits in 2023. But these movements often burn bright and fast – lacking coordination, infrastructure, and longevity.
A Generation at the Crossroads
Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is Africa’s most connected and educated generation. The United Nations reports that over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25. Yet, this youth bulge hasn’t translated into political leverage.
In Kenya, a 2023 Afrobarometer report found that 80% of young people identified corruption, unemployment, and police brutality as key concerns. However, only 47% trusted elections to bring change. This disconnect fuels apathy and disillusionment.
So What Holds Gen Z Back?
State Violence and Fear: From Uganda to Kenya, crackdowns on youth protests are swift and brutal. In Uganda, security forces responded to Bobi Wine’s 2021 campaign with arrests, internet blackouts, and violence. Human Rights Watch reported over 50 deaths. In Kenya, anti-tax protests were met with lethal force in both 2024 and 2025.
Digital-Only Activism: Gen Z is fluent in digital spaces, organizing on platforms like TikTok, Twitter (X), and Telegram. But as Dr. Wanjiru Gikonyo, a Nairobi-based governance expert, notes: “Digital activism often provides the illusion of engagement without real-world risk.”
Economic Dependence: Youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa is around 13%, according to the World Bank. In Zimbabwe, estimates soar above 90%. Many young Africans are too economically vulnerable to engage in sustained activism.
Political Co-optation: Authoritarian regimes are adept at absorbing dissent. They appoint youth envoys, fund influencers, and offer token jobs to dilute protest. Kenya’s government, for example, hired young digital strategists following the finance bill protests.
Broken Electoral Faith: Many youth believe elections are rigged. “What’s the point of voting if the winner is already decided?” asks Blessing Chido, a 22-year-old from Harare. Afrobarometer notes only 46% of 18-25-year-olds in Africa believe elections are fair.
Leadership Gaps: Youth movements often lack unified leadership and strategy. In Togo, this weakness enabled authorities to dismantle protests before they gained traction.
Signs of a Shift
Despite the challenges, youth resistance is not dead. Kenya’s #RejectFinanceBill protests mobilized thousands using encrypted apps and livestreaming. “We may not trust the system, but we can disrupt it,” said 25-year-old Njeri Mwangi, a protest medic in Nairobi.
In Uganda and Zimbabwe, dissent continues through art, satire, and underground networks. Young Africans are finding creative, if risky, ways to push back.
From Hashtags to Hubs
To move beyond protest, Gen Z must organize. This means starting civic groups, contesting local elections, building legal defense funds, and creating tools for accountability. As Professor Nic Cheeseman of the University of Birmingham puts it: “Change won’t come from trending. It will come from sustained pressure.”
Support from the international community must be respectful and practical: funding, training, and protection – not interference.
Conclusion
Gen Z in Africa has the numbers, the tools, and the frustration to shake regimes. But fear, disillusionment, and fragmentation stand in the way. Still, the momentum is building.
From Nairobi to Harare, young Africans are not silent. They are stirring. The world should pay attention. Because when they rise, it won’t be subtle – and it won’t be stoppable.
