Why This Is the Generation That Change Africa

Slavery has always been more about the mind than physical bondage. And here’s the thing: Africa is still shackled not by colonialism but by mental slavery, something we now call Neo-colonialism.

This kind of slavery works when people start to believe they really are who and what their colonizers once told them they were.

You see, the effects of slavery don’t just disappear when the chains are broken.

They linger, woven deep into the institutions meant to empower people but instead keep them trapped in cycles of dependency. And how does this happen? Through structures and systems designed to stunt growth and maintain control.

But here’s why this generation of Africans is different: we are starting to see through the deception. And the internet is a huge reason why.

As of 2023, my country Nigeria alone had over 122 million internet users, making up about 60% of the population. This is huge.

And it’s not just about having access to the internet; it’s about exposure.

The internet has shown young Africans that a better life is possible, and they don’t have to settle for less.

This growing awareness is turning into real, tangible action.

For example, my country Nigeria has seen more major protests in the last 15 years than in the previous 80 years combined.

The #EndSARS movement in October 2020 wasn’t just a protest it was a statement to the world that young Nigerians were done accepting less.

The movement became a global phenomenon, showing how the internet could amplify our voices.

But the fight didn’t end there. In August 2024, new protests broke out over economic hardships, and according to Amnesty International, at least 24 people died because of excessive force used by the police(it was allegedly more than this).

Think about that. It shows just how real and present the struggle still is.

Now, compare this to the past: Before 2010, large-scale nationwide protests were rare and usually suppressed before they gained traction.

But from 2010 onwards, particularly after 2020, we’ve seen at least five major protests all driven by young, informed, and connected Africans who refuse to remain silent.

And let’s not overlook another key factor: skills. For the first time, we have almost an equal level of skills from the West right here in Africa.

Thanks to online platforms, young Africans are learning and mastering the same knowledge and training that was once locked away in privileged societies. This skill parity is breaking barriers and destroying the false narrative that Africa is always behind.

Now, here’s the catch: We’re still not on equal footing when it comes to financial resources or institutional power. And the worst part? The wrong institutions have become part of our culture unspoken systems that limit growth and progress.

But here’s the truth: If we want real change, we have to step into the very institutions that limit growth and transform them from the inside. The problem is, we’ve always had gatekeepers blocking the way.

These gatekeepers are the leftover machinery of systems, personified as people, built to keep us controlled and prevent us from moving forward.

But things are shifting. With global changes like the dissolvement of USAID under Trump’s presidency, countries are beginning to rethink their dependence on foreign aid. And that push towards self-reliance? It’s a golden opportunity for us.

The internet has empowered young Africans with knowledge, skills, and awareness.

And now, we’re at a pivotal moment. We have the tools. We have the numbers. And most importantly, we have the drive to make a change.

This generation isn’t just about talking change we’re going to make it happen.

Personally I sense Africa will change drastically in the next 7-12 years and the race has began.