African youth are increasingly optimistic about the continent’s economic future despite persistent cost-of-living pressures, with job creation, entrepreneurship and investment emerging as the top priorities for sustainable growth, according to the 2026 African Youth Survey.

The survey, conducted across 16 African countries including Nigeria, found that optimism about Africa’s direction has risen to 43 per cent from 37 per cent in 2024, while more than half (51 per cent) of respondents said they were optimistic or excited about the future of their countries.

The report, published by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, surveyed 4,901 young Africans aged 18 to 24 through face-to-face interviews, making it one of the continent’s largest youth perception studies.

Despite the improved outlook, the survey identified the rising cost of living as the single most impactful event affecting African youth over the past five years, overtaking infectious diseases and political instability. Respondents linked soaring food and fuel prices to global economic and geopolitical disruptions.

Looking ahead, 27 per cent of respondents ranked creating well-paying jobs as the most important priority for Africa’s progress, closely followed by reducing government corruption at 25 per cent. Expanding access to basic services, making it easier to start businesses and promoting innovation also featured prominently among their priorities.

The findings also point to improving confidence in economic conditions. Nigeria recorded one of the strongest gains, with positive sentiment about Africa’s direction rising to 30 per cent from just 10 per cent in 2024.

 

The report attributes the shift to signs of economic adjustment following structural reforms.

Similarly, concern about employment opportunities declined sharply in Nigeria, falling by 31 percentage points since 2024, while positive sentiment about the country’s direction increased by 16 percentage points. The report noted that Nigeria is now experiencing its fastest economic growth since 2015, contributing to improved confidence among young people.

Beyond domestic economic concerns, African youth expressed a pragmatic approach to international partnerships. More than half (55 per cent) said African countries should prioritise alliances with nations capable of delivering tangible economic benefits such as trade and investment, regardless of political systems, while 60 per cent favoured building strong relationships with one or two major global powers to secure long-term gains.

Investment in infrastructure and the economy ranked as the most important quality respondents sought in an international partner, followed by respect for natural resources, sovereignty and technology transfer.

China emerged as Africa’s most positively viewed international partner, with 95 per cent of respondents who recognised its influence describing it positively, compared with 85 per cent for the United States.

 

The survey also found that China and the U.S. remain the continent’s two most influential external powers, although perceptions of India’s and Russia’s influence continue to grow.

The report concluded that Africa’s young people are increasingly focused on practical economic outcomes rather than ideological alliances, preferring partnerships that generate jobs, infrastructure, industrialisation and long-term prosperity while respecting national sovereignty.