Across the African continent, a growing crisis is taking shape, not from war or poverty alone, but from the unwillingness of ageing presidents to pass the mantle of leadership to the younger generation.

In an era where nations need energy, innovation, and strategic thinking, several African leaders, some in their 80s and 90s, continue to cling to power, despite visible signs of physical frailty, cognitive fatigue, and disconnection from the realities facing modern African youth.

Some of these leaders appear at summits in wheelchairs. Others doze off during high-level negotiations, while a few have even collapsed during live events. In 2020, then-Cameroonian President Paul Biya, aged 87 at the time, was absent from public view for months during the COVID-19 outbreak, raising concerns about his health and leadership.

As of 2025, he is still in power at 92 years old, having ruled since 1982. In Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, now 83, has ruled since 1979, making him the world’s longest-serving president. Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, now 80, has been in power since 1986.

This pattern reflects a broader crisis. Despite Africa having the youngest population globally, with over 60% under the age of 25 (UNDP, 2023), the average age of African heads of state is over 65 years, far above the population median of 19.5 years. This generational disconnect has serious implications: youth unemployment remains high, 12.7% in sub-Saharan Africa as of 2024, according to the ILO, with many young people turning to informal jobs or seeking dangerous migration routes to Europe.

How can a continent led by leaders older than its average citizen fully understand or address the frustrations, aspirations, and digital culture of its youth?

“There is no future without the youth, yet many of our leaders don’t believe in us,” said Nigerian activist Rinu Oduala. “We have ideas, energy, and solutions, but we are not given the space to lead.”

The irony is painful. Young Africans are at the forefront of technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and civil society, but remain politically marginalized. Many leaders continue to amend constitutions to remove term limits, as seen in Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Uganda, effectively weakening democratic institutions and silencing dissent.

Is it democratic to serve for life in a system designed for periodic leadership renewal? Why are African leaders afraid to mentor or empower the next generation, despite the global trend toward youthful leadership?

In contrast, countries that have opened political space to younger leaders and inclusive governance, such as Senegal (before recent political crackdowns) and Ghana, show more stability and civic engagement. These countries demonstrate that youth participation brings vitality to governance, not chaos.

What would happen if more African countries trusted their young people with real political responsibility? Could this be the key to Africa’s transformation?

Until Africa’s ageing leaders realize that development in the 21st century requires fresh ideas, digital fluency, and active youth inclusion, the continent may remain stuck in a cycle of stagnation. The question is no longer about age alone, but about vision, trust, and transitional courage.

The youth are not just the future; they are the present. But they are being denied their chance.

Joseph Odoom

A student at the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana.

Meanwhile, watch the trailer to GhanaWeb’s yet-to-air documentary on teenage girls and how fish is stealing their futures below: