Kwesi Pratt rejects ‘Gen Z revolution’ narrative

Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has dismissed the notion of a "Gen Z revolution" as a way to comprehend political and economic issues in Africa. During a speech at the Pan-African Progressive Front’s International Youth Forum, he argued that the exploitation and oppression faced by individuals cut across generations, not just between young and old.

Pratt emphasized that the struggle is not about age, but about ending exploitation and oppression. He pointed out that young people who struggle with unemployment or economic hardship share significant concerns with older workers, pensioners, and other groups facing difficulties. To illustrate his point, Pratt compared a young individual without access to education or employment to an older person who may lack a pension or healthcare access.

He contended that the struggles of the "exploited youth" are fundamentally the same as those experienced by "exploited workers." Pratt cautioned that organizing political movements along generational lines could obscure the economic conditions that impact people of all ages. He urged African youth to unite around common struggles, rather than focusing solely on their generation.

"We fight together and win together to build that new world." His comments were delivered as he addressed young participants on the broader role African youth should play in Africa's political and economic transformation.