African youth protest governance amid economic hardship
Protests erupted in Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco and other nations as citizens questioned growth figures.
Youth-led protests demanding better governance swept across Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco and other African nations in 2025. These demonstrations occurred amidst economic hardships, widespread floods displacing millions, and mounting debt that strained social spending.
The protests highlighted a disconnect between official narratives of economic resilience and the lived experiences of citizens. While leaders reported growth around 3.8-4.1% driven by infrastructure and market reforms, many young people felt left behind by persistent social challenges and political dissatisfaction.
The year 2025 also saw high-stakes elections and unrest in several capitals, including violence and crackdowns in Tanzania and disputed victories in Cameroon. Fragile transitions occurred in Côte d'Ivoire and Gabon, while Guinea-Bissau returned to military rule, raising regional concerns.
Why it mattersYoung people across Africa are protesting against their governments due to economic difficulties and a lack of good governance.