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60% Of African Youths Blame Corruption For Emigrating – New Poll
According to a poll of more than 5,600 young people in 16 nations released on Tuesday, September 3, 60% of African teenagers want to leave the continent because unchecked corruption threatens their future.
According to the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, which commissioned the study of 5,604 persons aged 18 to 24, corruption is viewed as the “single greatest hurdle” they face in realizing their full potential and living a better life.
The 2024 African Youth Survey, which the organization claims is unprecedented in scope and size, was done in January and February with face-to-face interviews in nations spanning from South Africa to Ethiopia.
“Most of all, they don’t believe their governments are doing enough to address this scourge and because of it almost 60% are looking to emigrate in the next five years,” it said.
North America was the most popular destination for emigration for this age group, followed by Western European countries such as Britain, France, Germany, and Spain.
More than half (55 percent) of those asked felt Africa was moving in the “wrong direction,” however “Afro-optimism” increased slightly to 37 percent in the 2022 study.
“They want tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including banning them from standing for office. They also want a different form of government,” the foundation said.
Almost one-third believe that non-democratic systems, such as military or one-party control, may be desirable in some circumstances.
Although almost two-thirds of those polled believe in democracy, approximately 60% prefer a “African-infused” model.
Around 72% of young people polled believed foreign influence from nations like China, France, and the United States was an issue.
“They are concerned about their countries being exploited by foreign companies especially their natural mineral wealth being mined and exported without any further benefit to the people,” said the foundation.
Most young people believe that if Donald Trump wins the US presidential election, it will be considerably worse for Africa than if Democratic contender Kamala Harris wins.
Also Read: This Is The Right Time To Speak Against Corruption And Stand For The Truth
According to the African Development Bank, Africa has almost 420 million youth between the ages of 15 and 35, with one-third of them unemployed.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli