While the causes behind these mobilizations are diverse, we can observe two common and relatively constant underlying dynamics: firstly, cities are growing fast. It is estimated that by 2050, a third of the continent's population will live in urban areas. Secondly, their populations are increasingly young. People aged between 18 and 35 currently account for 65% of the African population, and this figure is expected to rise to 75% by 2030. The consequences of unanticipated and poorly regulated urbanization, combined with the growing demands of a younger generation, are influencing politics, and manifesting themselves in the claims underlying these mobilizations.  

This webinar assesses the actors, causes and forms of social mobilizations in the cities of Mozambique, Ghana, and Nigeria. It will question a particular intersection between urbanization, demographic trends, and politics in Africa: why, how, and when do young city dwellers mobilize and participate in political processes? What do these mobilizations, and the responses of public authorities tell us about political and social transformations in Africa more broadly?

Speakers: 
Dercio Tsandzana, lecturer, Eduardo Mundlane University
Joel Ansah, PhD, Sciences Po/CERI  

Discutant:  
Lena Gutheil, researcher, German Institute of Development and Sustainability  

Moderator: 
Alain Antil, Director of Sub-Saharan Africa Center, Ifri