(3 Minutes Read)
The year 2025 saw the cup of woe overflow for millions of youths, from Asia to the Sahara. The frustration of Generation Z against inequality, corruption and political repression erupted onto the streets of Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal and the African continent.
A wave of youth unrest is sweeping across Africa, rocking both peaceful and not-so-peaceful nations. The latest case is Madagascar, once ranked as one of the peaceful nations in Africa. The country is in a deep political crisis. Amid persistent water and electricity shortages, Gen Z protests broke out across Madagascar in September 2025. The protestors are demanding sweeping political change. Weeks of youth unrest escalated to military rebellion, forcing the president, Andry Rajoelina, to flee the country this week.
Kenya, served as a role model for the youth agitations in Africa. This East African country has been witnessing massive Gen Z protests since last year. Kenyan Youth agitation #RejectFinanceBill2024, became a symbol of successful youth-led activism that forced the Kenyan Government to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill in mid-2024. Youth protests in Kenya over rising living costs, government corruption, and police brutality continue to rule in 2025 despite the harsh crackdown on the demonstrators. Several African countries have drawn inspiration from Kenya.
Similar youth-led agitations are sweeping through West Africa also. The anti-finance bill protests in Kenya inspired Nigerian youth to launch the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in August 2024. Frustrated with, severe economic hardship and insecurity, Nigerian youth continue their protests since June 2025.
In Togo, a country that has never known true democracy, Young Togolese are rising against President Faure Gnassingbé’s constitutional manoeuvres to prolong his 58-year dynastic rule. Despite facing a ruthless crackdown, they are putting up a strong resistance, calling for constitutional reforms.
North Africa, the cradle of the Arab Spring, is once again, witnessing a resurgence of youth upheaval. The Tunisian youths who ushered in the Arab Spring in 2011 continue their crusade against President Kais Saied’s misrule and oppression. Tunisian streets are flooded with youth protests about high unemployment, economic inequality, and rising authoritarianism under President Kais Saied
Morocco in North Africa is also witnessing unprecedented anti-government rallies demanding better health and education services. The ongoing youth-led ‘Gen Z 212 unrest is about the government’s inability to provide essential public welfare facilities in the country while spending exorbitantly on international sports events, like the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
A closer look at the turmoil reveals a common thread of grievances: Deteriorating political, social and economic conditions, corruption, high cost of living, political repression and deepening inequalities.
The Gen Z uprising has a lot to do with the demographic profile of Africa. The majority of the African population is under 35 years old. According to rough estimates, almost 121 million African youths are unemployed or out of school. With dismal economic growth, rising cost of living and almost nil employment opportunities in their homelands, the frustration of the African youth is at an all-time high. The geopolitical developments and the resultant global uncertainties have further deepened the crisis.
Youth unrest is not new to Africa. The difference today is the use of technology and communication tools. Social media platforms have helped this generation to extensively reach out far and wide and plan their movements. Armed with the right information, the tech-savvy youth can easily counter government propaganda.
With their deep distrust of leadership, this digitally organised movement is decentralised in structure. The leaderless youth uprisings are revolutionising civic engagement, displaying incredible resilience and dynamism.
The youth seem to have lost faith in the traditional institutions like trade unions and political parties, which drag their feet on critical issues. The message is loud and clear-Gen Z is not going to lie down and watch the power games of the political masters and businesses. It reflects a deep realisation that this generation must take collective ownership to win their battles.
By 2025, this wave of defiance has unsettled the ruling classes. Yet, while the momentum is undeniable, the long-term impact remains uncertain. Whether this youth-led uprising will translate into lasting, systemic transformation across the continent is a question only time can answer.