In Africa, corruption could push 60% of young people to emigrate
60% of young Africans want to leave because rampant corruption threatens their future, according to a survey of more than 5,600 young people in 16 countries.
Corruption is seen as the ‘biggest obstacle’ they face in reaching their own potential and a better life, said the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, which commissioned the survey of 5,604 people aged 18-24.
‘Above all, they do not believe their governments are doing enough to address this scourge and, because of this, almost 60% are thinking of emigrating in the next five years,’ it said.
The African Youth Survey 2024, which the Foundation says is unparalleled in scope and size, was conducted through face-to-face interviews in January and February in countries ranging from South Africa to Ethiopia.
North America was the top emigration destination for this age group, followed by Western European countries such as Britain, France, Germany and Spain.
More than half (55%) of respondents said Africa was heading in the ‘wrong direction’, although there was a modest increase to 37% in ‘Afro-optimism’ from the 2022 survey.
‘They want tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including a ban on running for office. They also want a different form of government,’ the Foundation said.
While about two-thirds of respondents believe in democracy, about 60% favour an ‘African-infused’ form.
Nearly one in three believe that non-democratic systems, such as military or one-party rule, might be preferable in certain circumstances.
Chinese influence
The majority of respondents (72%) said foreign influence was a problem. ‘They are concerned that their countries are being exploited by foreign companies, especially that their natural mineral wealth is being extracted and exported without any additional benefit to the people,’ the Foundation said.
A large majority (82%) considered China's influence to be positive, and 79% said the same of the United States.
Perceptions of Russian influence increased, especially in Malawi and South Africa, with more than half of those who had a positive view of Russia citing its grain and fertiliser supply.
Most said a Donald Trump victory in the US presidential election would be a far worse outcome for Africa than a victory for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
The African Youth Survey, conducted for the first time in 2020, aims to ‘give voice to African youth in a scientific way,’ said the Foundation's Director of Communications, Nico De Klerk. It also provides useful data to governments, NGOs and investors.
Africa has the youngest and fastest growing population in the world.
The median age on the continent in 2020 was 19.7 years, compared to 31.0 in Latin America, 38.6 in North America and 42.5 in Europe, according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
According to the African Development Bank, Africa is home to nearly 420 million young people aged 15-35, a third of whom are unemployed. The population is expected to double to over 830 million by 2050.
The 2024 African Youth Survey was conducted by PSB Insights in Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.