The African Youth Survey 2020 claims to be the largest of its kind on the continent. In its latest report, it confirms a rapidly-growing consciousness amongst young people in the continent – a concept it termed as “Afro-optimism”. According to the survey conducted by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, Africa’s youth are confident that the continent is heading for an era of success fuelled by technology and entrepreneurship. This ambition is sparked by a strong sense of individual responsibility, a post-colonial mindset, entrepreneurialism, and confidence in a shared African identity. They are certain collaboration can help solve the continent’s problems and are hopeful of fighting corruption, achieving peace and improving their personal living conditions.
Ivor Ichikowitz, the chairman of IFF believes that the Afro-optimism flourishing among young Africans does not rest on hope, but on their ability to seize the opportunities provided by the modern world. “The findings underscore entrepreneurship as the greatest aspiration of African youth, who are embracing digital technologies to shape their futures. If there were ever doubt in the ‘Africa-Rise’ narrative, this research provides us with strong evidence that Africa’s time is here, and that it will continue to rise – carried forward by a new generation of innovative, responsible and confident leaders”, Ivor added.
The survey covered 14 countries and included more than 4,000 interviews with young people aged between 18 and 24. Most young people interviewed are displeased with the state of their own country, half of them believe Africa is in a better state than before, and two-thirds say the continent is going through a transformative era. Eighty-one percent of those surveyed think technology “will change the fortunes of Africa,” and 79 percent say Wi-Fi access should be a fundamental human right. Strongly believing in technology and business, three-quarters of young people say they want to launch their own business or social enterprise within the next few years, and many have already ideas they are ready to work on if given funding.
