Trends, Risks, & Mitigation

The Rise of Youth-Led Protests in Sub-Saharan Africa

Youth-Led Protests in Africa: How Gen Z is Reshaping Civil Unrest

Across sub-Saharan Africa, a new generation of activists is changing the face of protest. Gen Z, equipped with smartphones, social media, and a willingness to challenge the status quo, is leading movements that have disrupted economies, influenced government policy, and, in some cases, provoked violent crackdowns.

With over 70% of the population under 30, and a median age of just 19.3, Africa’s youth face a combination of high unemployment, rising living costs, and entrenched political leadership. These pressures are creating fertile ground for mobilisation and civil action.

Download the full report

What is Driving the Surge in Youth-Led Protests Across Sub-Saharan Africa?

Economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict have pushed up food and fuel prices, while unemployment remains high. Many young people feel excluded from leadership, with political systems often dominated by figures in power for decades.

The frustration is compounded by widespread perceptions of corruption, ineffective job-creation policies, and a lack of political transparency. These conditions are acting as catalysts for organised demonstrations, often sparked by a single triggering event such as a controversial law, corruption scandal, or election dispute.

How Are Gen Z Movements Organised?

Unlike earlier generations, Gen Z protests are often decentralised and leaderless, coordinated through social media platforms like TikTok, X, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Viral hashtags and live-streamed footage can turn a local grievance into a national movement within hours.

Protesters use creative tactics such as flash mobs, roadblocks, and sit-ins, targeting symbolic sites including parliament buildings, government offices, and major intersections. This rapid, flexible style makes movements harder to suppress, but also more difficult to sustain over time without central leadership.

Which African Countries Have Seen the Largest Protests?

In 2024 and 2025, significant youth-led protests erupted across Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola, Togo, and Uganda, among others. Issues ranged from election delays and finance bills to fuel subsidy removals and corruption scandals.

Some movements achieved concessions, such as Kenya’s withdrawal of its 2024 Finance Bill—while others faced heavy security crackdowns involving mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and in some cases, live ammunition. Casualty numbers in several countries reached into the hundreds.

What Risks Do These Protests Pose to Businesses and Travellers?

Protests can quickly disrupt transport networks, supply chains, and communications. In countries where demonstrations are met with a heavy security response, there is an increased risk of violence and collateral harm to bystanders.

For organisations operating in the region, understanding the triggers, locations, and likely government responses to protests is essential. Risk mitigation measures – such as pre-travel intelligence, secure journey management, and real-time monitoring – can help protect people and assets in volatile environments.

THE GLOBAL RISK PODCAST

Listen: The Rise of Youth-Led Protests in Sub-Saharan Africa

What’s driving the rise in youth-led protests across sub-Saharan Africa? Joshua George breaks down how Gen Z activism is reshaping political unrest – and what it means for organisations operating in the region.