An African Youth Survey researcher prepares to conduct a survey outside a shop in Nairobi, Kenya, for the 2026 report.
Young Africans are more optimistic about the future than at any time since the Covid-19 pandemic, but rising living costs, unemployment, and corruption remain pressing concerns, with South African youth among the continent's most pessimistic, the African Youth Survey 2026 found.
Released on Tuesday, the survey points to growing confidence in national economies and Africa's future after years of uncertainty.
The findings come as many African governments face mounting pressure to tackle youth unemployment, rising living costs, and public demands for greater accountability and economic opportunities.
The improved continental outlook was not reflected in South Africa, where young people ranked among the least optimistic about both their country's future and Africa's direction.
