from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, KenyaKenya BureauNAIROBI, (CAJ News) – AFRICAN youth are the most optimistic they have been since the Covid-19 pandemic, but they are demanding governments match that confidence with jobs, cleaner governance, greater political inclusion and democratic systems better suited to the continent’s realities. These are among the findings of the 2026 African Youth Survey, released on Tuesday by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation. Across the eight countries surveyed in every edition, 47 percent of respondents believe their country is moving in the right direction, up from 30 percent in 2024. However, 56 percent believe Western-style democracy does not adequately reflect African realities and favour the development of an African model that combines democratic principles with effective governance and national stability. Ivor Ichikowitz, founder and commissioner of the African Youth Survey, said the growing optimism should not be mistaken for satisfaction.