African Youth Developing Appeal For Russia But With Trepidation

Young Africans across the continent have developed an increasing widespread appeal for Russia, however, they have also expressed some worrying concerns about Russian influence and protection of the continent’s resources, the African Youth Survey (AYS) 2026 has revealed.

The Ichikowitz Family Foundation, which conducted the survey, says the AYS provides a platform for young Africans to express their views on issues shaping their lives and future. Conducted by PSB Insights, a global consultancy, it covered 28 countries since 2020, with 18,882 face-to-face interviews across four waves.

The latest fieldwork took place in March 2026 among 4,901 nationals aged 18 to 24 across Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Ghana. The rest were Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Interviews were conducted in local languages, with an equal split of male and female respondents and no respondent incentives.

Among the respondents who recognised Russian influence, 83 per cent expressed the positive views about the country. Eighty-six per cent of those surveyed regard Russia as a strong or somewhat of an ally. The results show that Russia is widely recognized in Burkina Faso with 95 per cent and Congo Brazzaville with 69 per cent, and Chad, 65 per cent.

At the other end of the scale, just 24 per cent of young Liberians and 26 per cent of young Somalis identify Russia as influential. The 71-point gap between Burkina Faso and Liberia is a reminder that African attitudes towards Moscow cannot be reduced to one continental position.

“Despite favourable views of individual powers, 80 per cent are concerned about foreign influence in their countries, up from 72 per cent in 2024. In choosing foreign partners, 39 per cent prioritise respect for natural resources and 34 per cent, sovereignty and non-interference, alongside 43 per cent who value economic and infrastructure investment,” the survey said.

In a press statement, the Foundation said, “the figures offer an unusually clear view of the reception Moscow can expect from the continent’s next generation. Majority of those surveyed, 54 per cent, say Russia exercises some, or a lot of influence in their country, a ten-percentage-point rise from 44 per cent in 2024. Russia now stands ahead of France, whose perceived influence has fallen to 47 per cent.”

Founder and Commissioner of the African Youth Survey, Ivor Ichikowitz said: “Russia has achieved something that would have been difficult to imagine a few years ago. It has overtaken France in perceived influence, and large numbers of young Africans now see it as an ally. Those figures are real and deserve to be taken seriously. Other capitals ignore them at their peril. But approval is not a blank cheque. Africa’s young people welcome partners who can help them build their future, not foreign powers who expect to control it. They want to know who benefits from the deals being signed, who owns the resources and whether promises of security and investment lead to a better life for Africans.”

The enthusiasm of the survey has an important qualification because 80 per cent of respondents say they are concerned about the influence of foreign powers on their country, compared with 72 per cent in 2024.

That unease exists alongside positive views of individual countries rather than replacing them. The concern is particularly high in Mozambique (91 per cent), South Africa (88 per cent) and Liberia (85 per cent).

Even in Burkina Faso, where the recognition of Russian influence reaches 95 per cent, nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) are concerned about foreign influence generally. The survey did not ask respondents whether they distrust Russia’s motives specifically. Its findings should not be presented as a verdict on Moscow’s intentions. They do, however, show that a favourable view of Russia is entirely compatible with broader anxiety about what outside powers may want in return for their involvement.

There are reasons why the motives of foreign partners warrant scrutiny. An analysis published in October by the Swedish Defence Research Agency says Russia’s military engagement in Africa serves both strategic ambitions and practical interests, including access to natural resources.

The European Parliamentary Research Service has also identified mining, energy and military objectives in Moscow’s African strategy. These are independent assessments of Russia’s activities, not survey findings about what young Africans believe. Russia’s strongest support is far from uniform.

The Associated Press (AP) has reported that Russian military engagement has included Africa Corps operations following the earlier presence of the Wagner group. Against that backdrop, the survey indicates broad acceptance of foreign partnerships but also clear expectations about the terms on which those partnerships should be conducted.

Asked which qualities matter most when choosing an international ally, 43 per cent select the capacity to invest in their country’s infrastructure and economy. Respect for natural resources follows on 39 per cent, with democratic values and a strong human rights record, and respect for sovereignty and non-interference, each chosen by 34 per cent.

Technology and knowledge transfer is cited by 30 per cent, and military or security assistance by 29 per cent. Just 15 per cent put shared history or cultural ties among their leading considerations. The figures suggest that Moscow, like all foreign partners, will be judged against the economic and political interests of the countries it wishes to engage.

More than half of respondents (55 per cent) prefer alliances that deliver trade and investment even when the partner has a different political system. Another 42 per cent prefer countries that share similar values and systems of government, even if those partners are less effective at delivering practical benefits.

The choice is not simply between Russia and the West. It is between relationships that work for Africans and those that do not. Three in five (60 per cent) believe their country should forge strong alliances with one or two major global powers to secure long-term advantages, while 37 per cent prefer neutrality.

The willingness to engage is substantial; so is the desire to retain control over the terms of engagement.

The two-day Russia–Africa Summit, that took place between 28 and 29 October, offered Moscow an opportunity to deepen its relationships with African governments. But the African Youth Survey suggests that diplomatic visibility and public approval are only part of the calculation. Young Africans place a high value on tangible investment, on safeguarding natural resources and on preventing outsiders from dictating domestic affairs.

What Russia promises in Moscow will matter less to this generation than whether the resulting partnerships strengthen African economies, create opportunities and leave African countries in control of their own choices.

Other findings from the survey suggested that, 70%per cent believe the world is becoming more divided and dangerous, rather than more cooperative. 81 per cent identify the United States as influential in their country, with China close behind on 79 per cent; Russia stands at 54 per cent and France at 47 per cent.

Seventy-three per cent said democracy is always preferable to any other form of government. 80 per cent support reforming the UN Security Council to include permanent African representation.