In the 1990s and early 2000s, many African countries experienced periods of economic growth that generated optimism about the continent’s future. This era, often described as “Africa Rising,” saw nations like South Africa and Nigeria achieving steady GDP growth and attracting increased international investment. However, the economic progress of subsequent decades has failed to meet the high expectations of younger generations, prompting a wave of nostalgia and growing frustration across the continent.

In South Africa, young people frequently refer to the period under former President Thabo Mbeki as “Mbeki’s economy,” reflecting a time when the country sustained around 4 percent annual growth. Despite some gains in GDP per capita since the 1990s, the figure has declined from its peak in 2011. Meanwhile, South Africa faces one of the world’s highest youth unemployment rates, which has contributed to social tensions and a surge in xenophobic sentiment, with some citizens blaming migrants for job scarcity resulting from broader economic failings.

Similarly, in Nigeria, younger generations express longing for the years between 1999 and 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, when the country enjoyed more robust economic conditions. Yet, despite these earlier gains, Nigeria’s GDP per capita income now lags behind its levels in 1960, a point highlighted by Akinnumi Adesina, former head of the African Development Bank. While access to healthcare and education has improved in recent decades, these services continue to struggle with underfunding, staff shortages, and disruptions such as university strikes.

Both countries have grappled with structural challenges, including heavy reliance on volatile commodity markets. For South Africa, fluctuations in platinum prices affect trade and currency stability, while Nigeria remains significantly dependent on oil revenues, though recent developments like the new Dangote Refinery aim to decrease reliance on imported fuel. The limited pace of industrialization and economic diversification has left their economies vulnerable and ill-equipped to meet the demands of rapidly growing youth populations.

These economic frustrations are reflected in widespread protests and social movements across Africa. In Nigeria, the End SARS anti-police brutality movement gained international attention, while South Africa saw the Foees Must Fall campaign, and Kenya has experienced public demonstrations demanding accountability and an end to corruption. Many young protestors view themselves as bearing the consequences of decisions made by previous generations, who they accuse of mismanagement and perpetuating inequality.

Despite these challenges, analysts caution that the tendency of young voters to support leaders promising quick fixes may undermine efforts to address deeper systemic problems. Observers suggest that sustainable progress will require stronger institutions, a committed focus on industrialization, and policies that foster inclusive economic growth.

Ultimately, the economic setbacks of recent decades are prompting younger Africans to reconsider long-held development models. The experiences of the 1990s and early 2000s offer lessons on the importance of coupling economic growth with resilient governance and structural reforms to ensure long-term prosperity for the continent’s burgeoning youth population.