In Pursuit of Development Africa’s pulse: Listening to citizens in an age of uncertainty – Joseph Asunka
Oct 25, 2025
Joseph Asunka, CEO of Afrobarometer, shares insights into the evolving landscape of African citizen engagement. He discusses the rising pessimism among citizens, particularly concerning unemployment and economic conditions. Asunka highlights the gap between youthful priorities and older leadership, noting a shift towards online activism over traditional party politics. He emphasizes the significance of credible data in fostering accountability and democratic resilience, while also reflecting on the challenges faced by youth in mobilizing their political power.
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Continent-Wide Decline In Public Mood
- Over 60% of Africans say their country is going in the wrong direction since about 2015.
- Geopolitical shocks now compound pre-existing declines in livelihoods and optimism.
Jobs Are The Top Voter Priority
- Unemployment ranks as the top priority for citizens across most African countries.
- Country-level differences exist, but jobs dominate the continental agenda.
Education–Employment Mismatch For Youth
- Young Africans are more educated than older generations but face higher unemployment.
- This education–employment mismatch fuels deep frustration among youth.