About 58-60% of young Africans are "very or somewhat optimistic" that the Trump administration will bring about a better future for them, according to the 2026 African Youth Survey.
The surprisingly positive sentiment reflects a notable shift from 2024, when the survey found that policies under former US President Joe Biden were expected to be better for African countries than those of the then-impending second Trump presidency.
Among the perceived benefits of the Trump administration's policies towards African countries are enhanced security cooperation, youth empowerment, military support, and counterterrorism.
The survey, commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, was facilitated via face-to-face interviews and conducted across a total of 16 countries, namely: Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The total number of interviews was 4,901. Demographics consisted of individuals aged 18-24, with an equal 50-50 split between male and female participants.
Originally published by African Business.