Abstract:
Young people constitute a disproportionate share of the population in most African
countries, and as such, make up a key political demographic. The discourse on youth
political participation tends to focus narrowly on disengaged, apathetic and troublesome
youth. Yet, many African youth have taken on leadership positions across the continent,
engaging in politics, civil society, and activism. This article seeks an understanding of
what drives their public engagement. Drawing on a qualitative study of 33 leaders across
Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda, we argue that a range of individual, relational, and societal
factors entwine and build on each other to foster youth leadership. Drawing on the
socialization literature, we explore individual-level determinants of engagement, including
family, educational experiences, purposive incentives, and identity. We go further
than earlier research to explore the unique ways that these, along with the complex
relational ties that undergird neopatrimonialism, as well as political opportunities, can
work together to build young leaders in the public sphere.
