5 African countries where young people believe their country is heading in the wrong direction

African youth are increasingly optimistic about the future, but this optimism is becoming increasingly uneven across the continent. More than half (51%) now say they are optimistic or enthusiastic about their country's future, a significant increase compared to 35% in 2024.

African youth are increasingly optimistic about the future, but this optimism is becoming increasingly uneven across the continent. More than half (51%) now say they are optimistic or enthusiastic about their country's future, a significant increase compared to 35% in 2024.

Burkina Faso and Rwanda show the highest levels of optimism, at 91% each, while Ghana, Ethiopia and Zambia have recorded some of the strongest improvements, according to the latest survey of young Africans in 2026.

Behind this general improvement in morale lies a more complex reality. A third of young Africans remain pessimistic about the future of their country, compared to 44% in 2024. The proportion of those who describe themselves as pessimistic has also increased, reaching 12%, its highest level since the study began in 2020.

Economic pressures appear to play a major role. The rising cost of living has supplanted infectious diseases and political instability as the primary factor impacting young Africans over the past five years. Increased food and fuel prices, unemployment, corruption, and a lack of economic opportunities continue to influence young people's perceptions of their countries.

In several African markets, discontent is particularly strong. Mozambique leads the way, with 85% of young people believing their country is heading in the wrong direction.

1) Mozambique — 85%

Among the five countries studied, Mozambique has the highest percentage of young people (85%) who believe their country is heading in the wrong direction. This result reflects deep dissatisfaction among young Mozambicans, despite a general improvement in optimism among young Africans. The rising cost of living, the lack of economic prospects, and concerns about governance likely contribute to this pessimism.

2) Chad — 80%

Eight out of ten young Chadians believe their country is heading in the wrong direction, placing Chad among the countries with the highest levels of discontent. This figure underscores the difficult prospects facing young Chadians, particularly in the face of economic pressures and political uncertainty. This finding contrasts sharply with countries like Burkina Faso and Rwanda, where youth optimism about the future reaches 91%.

3) Kenya — 80%

In Kenya, 80% of young people believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. This finding is all the more striking given that 27% of young Kenyans express pessimism about their country's future—the highest proportion recorded in the entire survey. The rising cost of living, economic pressures, and a lack of opportunities for young people appear to be taking a heavy toll on their morale.

4) Nigeria — 76%

In Nigeria, 76% of young people believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, reflecting widespread concern about its economic and social trajectory. This observation comes at a time when the rising cost of living has become the most significant factor for young Africans. For young Nigerians, inflation, declining purchasing power, unemployment, and fears of corruption continue to influence their perception of the country's future.

5) South Africa — 75%

Three-quarters of young South Africans believe their country is headed in the wrong direction, placing South Africa among the countries with the highest levels of youth discontent. South African youth also exhibit one of the highest levels of pessimism, with 24% expressing pessimism about the future. Economic pressures, unemployment, inequality, and the rising cost of living remain major concerns for young South Africans.