Can Gen Z Protests Reshape Governance in Africa?

CSIS | 2026-04-12 | africa

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English Summary

Gen Z-led protests across Africa represent a powerful, digitally mobilized force demanding a fundamental renegotiation of the social contract and the dismantling of elitist political structures. These movements are fueled by widespread youth frustration over corruption, economic stagnation, and poor service delivery, forcing some governments to make limited concessions. However, the analysis cautions that protests alone are insufficient for systemic change; lasting reform requires strategic political engagement and institutional reform. Policymakers must recognize that the key challenge is for activists to transition from mere resistance to actively building and sustaining new political and economic institutions.

中文摘要

橫跨非洲的Z世代主導抗議活動，代表著一股強大且具數位動員力的力量，要求對社會契約進行根本性重新協商，並拆除精英化的政治結構。這些運動源於年輕一代對腐敗、經濟停滯和公共服務欠佳的普遍不滿，迫使一些政府做出有限度的讓步。然而，本分析警告，單靠抗議本身不足以實現系統性變革；持久的改革需要策略性的政治參與和制度改革。政策制定者必須認識到，關鍵挑戰在於如何讓活動參與者從單純的抵抗轉變為積極建構和維持新的政治與經濟制度。

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