The newly released 2026 African Youth Survey reveals a massive economic and political divide: while youth optimism across Africa has bounced back to its highest level since the pandemic, South Africa’s youth feel completely left behind.

Interviewing nearly 5 000 young Africans across 16 countries, the survey serves as a stark warning to South African policymakers and business leaders. While young people in countries like Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia are expressing renewed economic confidence and Pan-African optimism, South Africa’s youth are exhausted by the cost of living and are demanding urgent action on jobs and corruption.

Key findings for South Africa include:

• A crisis of confidence: South Africa ranks among the least optimistic nations surveyed. Only 23% of SA youth believe their country and the national economy are heading in the right direction, with 75% saying both are on the wrong track.
• Crushed by living costs: South Africa records the highest concern about the rising cost of living across all 16 nations. Over 40% identify it as the single biggest issue of the past five years.
• Lowest outlook for the future: Only 25% of SA youth describe themselves as optimistic or excited about the future, placing South Africa at the very bottom of the continent’s rankings.
• A demand for delivery: When asked what is needed most for progress, SA youth place the greatest focus on reducing government corruption (37%) and creating new, well-paying jobs (35%).
• Continental pessimism: In stark contrast to the rest of the region, SA youth are among the most negative about the continent as a whole, with only 17% believing Africa is heading in the right direction.

Report by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation