Africa
FIFTY-five per cent of young Zambians say their country is heading in the right direction, representing a sharp increase from 23 per cent recorded in 2024.
The figure also more than doubles the 10 per cent recorded in 2022, according to the African Youth Survey 2026, released ahead of International Youth Day on Aug. 12.
The survey, commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation and conducted by global research firm, PSB Insights, examined the views of young Africans aged 18 to 24 across 16 countries.
It was based on 4,897 face-to-face interviews conducted in March 2026, with about 300 respondents surveyed in each participating country.
The findings showed that optimism among young Zambians was not limited to the country’s general direction, as 55 per cent also believed the national economy was heading in the right direction.
That represented a substantial rise from 17 per cent recorded in 2024 and was higher than the 45 per cent Sub-Saharan African average.
The survey also found that nearly six in 10 young Zambians described themselves as optimistic or excited about the future of their country.
This represented almost a three-fold increase from the level recorded two years earlier.
The positive outlook was also reflected in young people’s attitudes toward migration, with only 27 per cent saying they were likely to leave Zambia within the next three years.
The figure was a significant decline from more than half of respondents who expressed such intentions in 2024.
The findings suggest a growing willingness among young Zambians to pursue education, entrepreneurship, employment and other opportunities within the country.
Ivor Ichikowitz, Chairman of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, described the development as an expression of “Afro-optimism”, driven by ambition rather than passive confidence.
He said young Zambians were increasingly seeking to shape their future through entrepreneurship, education, technology and other opportunities at home.
The survey further revealed strong perceptions of personal safety among Zambian youths, with 92 per cent saying they felt safe in the country.
The figure was the second highest among the 16 countries surveyed and significantly above the 70 per cent Sub-Saharan African average.
Similarly, 74 per cent of young Zambians said they were treated fairly and with respect by police and security services.
The findings also showed continued strong support for democratic governance, with 83 per cent saying democracy was always preferable to any other form of government.
However, the optimism recorded among young Zambians co-existed with significant economic and social concerns.
The rising cost of living was identified by 37 per cent of respondents as the development that had had the greatest impact on young people in Zambia over the past five years.
Death from infectious diseases followed with 19 per cent.
The survey indicated that employment remained central to young people’s expectations for the country’s future.
About two-thirds of respondents identified job creation for young people as the single most important driver of national security.
Access to basic needs and services, as well as the creation of well-paying jobs, were also identified among the leading priorities for Africa’s progress.
Ichikowitz said the findings showed that young Zambians were primarily seeking opportunities to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.
He said their priorities included employment, access to capital, education and the freedom to establish businesses.
The survey also highlighted growing concern among young Zambians over the management of the country’s natural resources.
Nearly eight in 10 respondents said they wanted Zambia’s natural resources to be managed responsibly.
When considering international partners, respondents ranked investment in infrastructure and the economy, alongside respect for Zambia’s natural resources, among their leading considerations.
Ichikowitz said the findings demonstrated that young Zambians were “pragmatic, ambitious and increasingly confident” about their country’s future.
He said they wanted to play an active role in building businesses, creating jobs, embracing technology and ensuring that the country’s natural resources benefited future generations.
The African Youth Survey, launched in 2020, is now in its fourth edition and has captured the views of almost 19,000 young Africans across 28 countries.
The 2026 edition covers Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia,
South Africa, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The survey provides comparative data on countries covered in all four waves, including Zambia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Ethiopia and Congo Brazzaville.
According to its organisers, the longitudinal research is designed to track how Africa’s youngest generation is responding to economic, social, technological and geopolitical changes.
The latest findings present Zambia as a notable case of rising youth confidence, even as young people continue to identify the cost of living, employment and access to economic opportunities as major challenges.
The findings are being released ahead of International Youth Day, observed annually on Aug. 12 to highlight issues affecting young people and their contributions to development.
M.P
Tags: Zambian youths