A fresh wave of youth-led activism is spreading across Africa, with members of Generation Z spearheading protests demanding reform, accountability, and improved governance in several countries.
Findings by DAILY GAZETTE reveal that the movement, driven largely through digital platforms such as TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Discord, is part of a growing transnational trend of politically conscious and tech-savvy youths mobilising online for real-world change.
After major youth uprisings in Asia, particularly in Nepal, the Gen Z protest wave has now reached Africa, with mass demonstrations erupting in Madagascar and Morocco.
The momentum for Africa’s current youth-led movements grew after widespread protests in Kenya earlier this year forced President William Ruto’s administration to withdraw a controversial finance bill.
What began as online outrage over increased taxes soon transformed into a nationwide youth revolt, largely unaffiliated with political parties.
Wearing sneakers and armed with smartphones, thousands of young Kenyans livestreamed their confrontations with police, despite facing tear gas and arrests.
Their persistence eventually compelled the government to reverse the tax proposal, a victory that inspired young activists across the continent.
In late September, Madagascar witnessed a similar youth-driven uprising. Anger over persistent power cuts and water shortages triggered violent protests that left at least 22 people dead and over 100 injured, according to the United Nations.
The unrest ultimately led President Andry Rajoelina to dissolve his government.
In Morocco, thousands of young demonstrators have taken to the streets in what observers describe as some of the largest anti-government protests in years.
Organised by a grassroots movement known as GenZ 212, the demonstrations have spread to at least 11 cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Agadir. Protesters are calling for an end to corruption, better public services, and more youth-centered economic opportunities.
Much like their Kenyan and Malagasy counterparts, Moroccan youths have turned to TikTok, Instagram, and Discord to organise and amplify their demands.
The Gen Z-driven unrest follows similar events in Nepal, where a government ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, sparked mass protests.
Demonstrations over censorship and economic hardship turned violent, resulting in at least 51 deaths and the ousting of Prime Minister Sharma Oli.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has since been appointed interim prime minister to lead a transition government.
Speaking on the growing youth unrest across Africa, former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, said governments on the continent must create enabling environments for young people to thrive.
“African governments should build economies that provide meaningful employment and nurture the legitimate ambitions of their youth. If young people can prosper economically, protests will naturally decline,” he said.
Also commenting, former Nigerian Consul to Cameroon and ex-Director of Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rasheed Akinkuolie, attributed the rising agitation to unemployment and economic hardship caused by decades of failed policies.
He argued that the neoliberal economic reforms imposed by international financial institutions have worsened living conditions in many African countries.
“An idle hand is the devil’s workshop. Governments must rethink policies that do not serve their people,” Akinkuolie said.
“Heavy investment in education, especially technical and vocational training, is essential. Africa must process its own agricultural and mineral resources before export and emulate people-centered models like that of Burkina Faso.”
