LocationsIntergenerational dialogue explores Gen Z mobilization and governance pathways in Africa
February 18, 2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 13 February 2026 — On the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC), co-organized a side event titled “Gen Z, Political Transitions and the Future of Governance in Africa” at the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, in Addis Ababa.
The discussion examined how Gen Z mobilization is reshaping governance and political transition dynamics across the continent, and what it will take to strengthen institutional pathways for meaningful youth participation.
In her opening remarks, Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, underscored that youth engagement must move beyond consultation. “When we truly listen to young Africans, we don’t just expand participation, we transform governance,” she said.
When we truly listen to young Africans, we don’t just expand participation, we transform governance,Ahunna Eziakonwa, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa
Representing the AUC, Patience Chiradza, Director for Governance and Conflict Prevention, emphasized the structural implications of youth-led movements across the continent. “History stands to witness when young people are excluded from decision-making in governance, state-building and socioeconomic development, they express themselves in the streets. But when they are included, they can transform societies through innovation and peacebuilding,” she noted, reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to advancing the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda.
When they are included, they can transform societies through innovation and peacebuildingPatience Chiradza, Director for Governance and Conflict Prevention, AUC
Delivering keynote remarks, H.E. Lesego Chombo, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs of Botswana, reflected on the demographic realities shaping governance across the continent. “Demographic strength does not automatically translate into political representation,” she noted, pointing to the gap between Africa’s youthful population and leadership structures. She stressed that youth leadership must move beyond symbolism and be embedded in institutional systems. “Youth participation should not remain a tick-box exercise. It must be embedded in systems and not treated as an event, a panel or a moment,” she said.
The event also marked the launch of the UNDP Youth Success Stories in Governance and Peacebuilding, a knowledge product documenting 44 youth-led initiatives from across Africa. The publication highlights concrete examples of young people advancing governance reform, peacebuilding and institutional accountability at community, national and regional levels.
Youth perspectives were shared by Miharisoa Rakotondravelo, Spokesperson and Coordinator of the Gen Z movement in Madagascar; Gloria Wawira, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council of Kenya; and Julien Vikemba, African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace for Central Africa. Their interventions reflected on the evolution of decentralized, digitally enabled mobilizations, the demand for accountability and the importance of linking protest to structured institutional engagement.
The intergenerational panel examined how youth inclusion can be institutionalized within governance and peace processes. Immaculate Asige Liaga, Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, questioned whether recent mobilizations represent early warning signals or the manifestation of warning signs already missed, urging institutions to adopt more forward-looking approaches.
Esther Ndihano, Human Rights Advocate and Founder and Executive Director of Women in Peace and Governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cautioned that young people are often “over consulted and less included,” highlighting the gap between participation rhetoric and real influence over policy, funding and implementation.
Arif Abdeljalil, African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace for North Africa, stressed the need for youth policy literacy and institutional negotiation capacity to transform demands into sustainable reform. He cautioned against framing youth mobilization solely as instability, noting that such movements should be understood as indicators of deeper governance dynamics rather than inherently negative phenomena. “The future of governance does not only rely on how mobilization functions, but on how rapidly and effectively institutions adapt to expectations,” he said.
Drawing on The Gambia’s experience, Ida Persson, Special Adviser on Transitional Justice and Head of the Post TRRC Unit at the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice, highlighted how youth leadership can be secured through legislation and institutional design. “Transitional justice must be inherently young,” she stated, noting that where there is political will, governments can create structured space for youth leadership within formal mechanisms.
The dialogue concluded with a shared understanding that Gen Z mobilization is not a temporary trend but a defining governance reality. Strengthening participation requires embedding youth perspectives within existing governance, peace and security architectures, reinforcing accountability and ensuring that institutional reform keeps pace with the aspirations of Africa’s young people.
For media enquiries and requests for interviews, please contact:
- Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org | +251 98 065 4949
- Ayda Labassi, Digital Communications Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ayda.labassi@undp.org | +251 95 445 0849
- Ngele Ali, Regional Communications Advisor, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ngele.ali@undp.org | +251 97 656 9921