Political protests are spreading across Africa, reflecting youth frustration; Israel has the potential to offer solutions
Dr. Asher Lubotzky, Senior Research Fellow, Israel-Africa Relations Institute
In recent months, Africa has experienced several hotspots of popular protests against long-standing incumbent regimes:
A. In Tanzania and Cameroon, hundreds were killed in protests that erupted after elections in which the sitting presidents won another term amid widespread allegations of fraud and manipulation. In Cameroon, President Biya has served for about 42 years, and in Tanzania, President Hassan has served for about four years as president on behalf of the ruling party, which has controlled the country continuously since independence (1961).
B. In Morocco, thousands of young people took to the streets in October in several cities to protest neglected infrastructure and public services—especially healthcare—and corruption. The protest targeted the government (not the monarchy) and was sparked by the deaths of eight pregnant women due to neglect in a hospital in Agadir.
C. In Madagascar, a youth protest movement organized daily demonstrations in the capital over the state of infrastructure—particularly electricity and water supply. The regime’s suppression efforts included dozens of deaths, but the protests ended in a military coup that ousted President Rajoelina after about 15 years in office.
The various regimes adopted a range of measures to confront the unrest: some (Tanzania and Cameroon) used broad violence that quickly crushed the protests, showing no willingness to compromise; others (Morocco) used a combination of targeted suppression alongside promises of reforms and dialogue with protestors; and in Madagascar, after violent suppression attempts and efforts to appease protestors through changes in government personnel, the protests culminated in a military coup—a not-unusual practice among certain African elites for resolving political crises, one that often signals continued authoritarian governance (even under a new leader) rather than democratization.
Although each protest has its own specific context and triggers, they also reflect a global trend of generational shifts and broad political mobilization through social media. This trend is especially prominent in Africa due to widespread characteristics: a very young population combined with high youth unemployment; long-standing authoritarian regimes that do not allow free elections; difficulty for regimes to monitor and prevent political organization on social media; failing infrastructure; rising cost of living and corruption; and a wave of anti-establishment populism expressed in numerous military coups (mainly in the Sahel and West Africa) since the COVID-19 pandemic.
These recent protests are not isolated events. They have drawn inspiration from one another as well as from earlier cases in Africa (such as the mass protests in Kenya in 2024) and abroad (such as the widely covered youth-led coup in Nepal in September 2025). They are closely aligned with the spirit of the times and with a demographic base that shares grievances, challenges, and similar methods of communication and expression. It is therefore likely that additional cases with similar characteristics will occur both on the continent and beyond.
The protests highlight the growing importance of Africa’s young generation—a group increasingly shaping the continent’s political, economic, and social agenda. The 2024 African Youth Survey points to complex trends: alongside deep mistrust in institutions and in the old political leadership, young people feel a rising sense of responsibility for the fate of their communities and are seeking practical—not rhetorical—solutions. Most hope for leadership capable of providing not only security or assistance but, above all, tools and capabilities. Here lies a unique opportunity for Israel: a small, technological, entrepreneurial country that is perceived as turning limited resources into a competitive advantage can offer African youth both an inspiring model and practical partnership.
The spread of protests also carries clear risks for Israel. In countries friendly to Israel—such as Cameroon, Tanzania, and Morocco—there is noticeable erosion in the connection between ruling elites and the younger generation. This disconnect could lead to the loss of strategic assets Israel has cultivated over the years and to the replacement of long-standing partnerships with actors holding anti-Western and even anti-Israeli positions.
Therefore, since much of the popular discontent centers on economic and infrastructure issues, Israel—through its advanced technology companies—is well positioned to help African governments ease some of their challenges, especially in water, electricity, and food sectors, thereby reducing the risk of widespread unrest. It is particularly recommended to increase MASHAV’s investment in programs aimed at developing capabilities among young people, expand the scope of training programs in technological and agricultural fields, and strengthen partnerships with Israeli academia to enable African students to study and train in Israel. Seemingly simple steps—such as easing visa policies, expanding direct flights, and encouraging mutual investment—can strengthen young Africans’ connectivity to Israel and help ensure the continuity of warm relations into the next generation.
