‘Practical’ young Africans leaning towards China over US and away from ideology
China has overtaken the United States in positive perceptions among young Africans, suggesting a shift in how the continent’s next generation view global powers. According to the 2026 African Youth Survey, positive views of China have grown significantly since 2022.
The survey polled 4,901 respondents aged 18 to 24 across 16 African countries. While 81% of respondents said the US had influence in their country, 79% said the same of China. However, among those who saw each power as influential, 95% hold favourable views of China, compared with 85% who favoured the United States.
China’s favourable score has risen 19 percentage points since the 2022 edition of the survey, when 76% of respondents who considered China influential had a favourable view. The findings suggest that young Africans are assessing global powers in pragmatic terms, with attitudes shaped by perceived relationships and national interests, not only by ideology.
Originally Published by South China Morning Post
