A wave of youth-led protests is sweeping across Africa, as young people demand change and an end to corruption, unemployment, and poor governance. The movement, which began in North Africa and the Middle East in 2010, has now spread to Sub-Saharan Africa, with countries such as Kenya, Madagascar, and South Africa experiencing significant unrest.

In Kenya, a social media-driven movement has mobilized young people to protest against tax hikes and a broken social contract. The protests, which nearly brought the government to its knees, have awakened a sense of defiance across the continent. In Madagascar, the youth have risen against their president, Andry Rajoelina, toppling his administration and marking the island nation’s most dramatic power shift in a decade.

The spirit of rebellion has also spread to South Africa and Tanzania, where young people are demanding faster reform and deeper accountability. In South Africa, the “Born Frees” generation is realizing that political liberation without economic justice is hollow, while in Tanzania, discontent simmers despite the hope many had in President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Other countries, such as Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, are potential flashpoints, with young populations deeply disillusioned by shrinking economic opportunities, repression, and entrenched political dynasties. Francophone West Africa remains unpredictable, with coups having toppled leaders in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

However, one country that stands out as an exception is Cameroon, where the youth remain relatively quiet despite the country’s president, Paul Biya, securing yet another term in office. Analysts attribute this to decades of fear, surveillance, and repression, as well as the ongoing Anglophone conflict in the west.

The youth of Africa are no longer waiting for permission to shape their futures. They are taking matters into their own hands, using social media, protests, and other forms of activism to demand change. This is not a moment, but a movement – a generational reckoning that is sweeping across the continent. The old political elite would be wise to read the signs and reform, or step aside, as the young are the majority in number, energy, ideas, and innovation, and are determined to shape Africa’s destiny.