Young Africans believe that corruption threatens their future and could force 60% of them to emigrate, according to a survey of 5,600 young Africans in 16 countries published on Tuesday 3 September.
Corruption is “at the heart of young people’s concerns” and is considered the biggest obstacle to their personal development and a better life, says the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, which commissioned the survey of 5,604 young people aged 18 to 24.
According to the results of this study, of an unprecedented scale in terms of people interviewed and geographic areas targeted according to the foundation, the majority of young people “I don’t think your governments are doing enough to stop this scourge”.
“As a result, almost 60% of them plan to emigrate in the next five years”according to this study published after face-to-face interviews conducted by the PSB Insights group in January and February in countries ranging from South Africa to Ethiopia.
“Giving a voice to African youth”
North America is among the most cited countries for emigration, followed by Western European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain. “They want tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including a ban on holding political office, and a different form of government”according to the study entitled “African Youth Study 2024”.
Although nearly two-thirds of respondents believe in democracy, nearly 60% say they are in favor of some form of government. “African inspired”Nearly one in three people think that undemocratic systems, resulting from military or single-party governments, might be preferable in certain circumstances.
The majority of young people surveyed (72%) believe that foreign influence is a problem. “They are concerned that their countries are being exploited by foreign companies, particularly with regard to natural mineral resources exported without any benefit to locals.”According to the survey, 82 percent of them consider China’s influence to be positive; 79 percent say the same about the United States.
Perceptions of Russia’s influence have increased, especially in Malawi and South Africa, where more than half feel positive about Russian supplies of fertilizer and grain.
This study, carried out for the first time in 2020, aims “Giving a voice to African youth in a scientific way”“The foundation’s communications director, Nico De Klerk, told AFP. It also provides useful data to governments, NGOs and investors. Nearly 420 million young people aged 15 to 35, a third of whom are unemployed, live in Africa and the number is expected to rise to more than 830 million by 2050, according to the African Development Bank.
