Russia surpasses France in African youth appeal, still trails China: survey
Russia’s influence has surged among young people across Africa in recent years, leaping over former colonial power France while still trailing China, a survey of African youths has found. Many young Africans now perceive Russia to be an ally, observers said, warning its rivals to take the shift seriously as the continent becomes increasingly critical to both Moscow and Beijing. According to the…
A recent survey of African youths reveals that Russia has surpassed France in perceived influence across the continent, though China still holds a higher rating. The African Youth Survey, commissioned by the South Africa-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, found that 54% of young Africans aged 18 to 24 view Russia as influential, up from 44% two years prior.
The poll of 4,901 respondents across 16 African countries in March indicates that Russia ranks higher than France, which received a 47% rating. "The findings put Russia among the foreign powers viewed warmly by many young Africans, although China remains more highly rated," the report stated.
While Russia's influence varies across Africa, reaching 95% in Burkina Faso, 69% in Congo-Brazzaville and 65% in Chad, all former French colonies. Similar to France, Russia has gained ground in these countries as France either lost influence, remained stable, or withdrew over the last decade. French troops were removed from several former French colonies in the Sahel between 2022 and 2023, leading to Niger's regime requesting the US to shut down its military bases in favor of strengthening ties with Russia.
Ivor Ichikowitz, founder of the foundation that commissioned the study, stated that Russia's rapid rise in perceived influence is something that rivals of the nation must take "seriously" as the continent becomes increasingly important to both Moscow and Beijing. The survey also revealed that 80% of respondents were concerned about foreign influence in their countries, up from 72% two years earlier.
Of those, 39% want their country's natural resources protected when dealing with foreign partners, while 34% emphasized the importance of sovereignty in choosing a foreign ally, and 43% stressed the value of securing economic benefits through partnerships, especially investments in infrastructure.
The release of these findings coincided with the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, which aimed to strengthen partnerships between Russia and the African continent. The summit, attended by 22 African heads of state, included delegations from 48 countries led by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit focused on securing access to Africa's critical minerals, reducing the effects of Western sanctions through alternative global payment systems, and addressing food and energy security.
According to Tighisti Amare, director of the Africa programme at Chatham House, Russia has shifted its focus to military and defence cooperation, similar to China's approach. The summit could be seen as a response to Western dominance and an alternative approach to engagement.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
