Paul Biya of Cameroon is the oldest serving African president, he is 92 years old.
While some believe the country needs experienced older people to run it, a political analyst says young people can do the job.
Kenneth Mokgatlhe told The Citizen that he believes that young people should occupy critical positions in government for two reasons.
“They (young people) are the dominant population in all African countries, and they are young and understand the potential solutions to the problems affecting their surroundings,” he said.
Who stood out in 2025?
According to Mokgatlhe, a number of young politicians stood out in 2025, including Julius Malema, Sihle Lonzi, Liam Jacobs, Ashley Sauls, Xola Nqola, Sibonelo Nomvalo, Sebetaelo Rachoene, Ronald Lamola, Jacinta Zuma, Pieter Kriel, and Siviwe Gwarube.
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Young leaders on the continent
Mokgatlhe said Burkina Faso has proven that Africa is ready for young heads of state. Burkina Faso’s president Ibrahim Traore is 37 years old.
Having Traore in this position has been a major milestone since many countries in Africa are still led by elderly statesmen.
“Despite the fact that the changes that took place in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso were anti-democratic, the people on the ground are happy with the political transformation there.
“The elections of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister of Senegal signified the new changes in the political landscape of the continent with respect to the youth leadership space on the continent.
“Botswana is another good example where you had a president who is below 60 years leading there, Duma Boko,” he said.
Mokgatlhe said many African countries are led by people over 70 years old.
“Look at Cameroon, which reflected somebody over the age of 90. That is a disaster in the making and needs to be reviewed,” he said.
He said young people are showing good leadership.
“Bobi Wine, Julius Malema, Nelson Chamisa, Dumelang Saleshando, Junet Muhamed, and a few others have challenged the status quo,” he said.
ANCYL
Traditionally, the ANC Youth League was known for preparing the future presidents of the country.
But Mokgatlhe believes the organisation has lost its influence on South African politics.
“It needs to redefine its role within the broader political spectrum. In the post-1994 political arena, it has largely been used as a lobbying vehicle, and it made sense when the ANC was a dominant force and faced no opposition threat.
“Now, its electoral muscles are deteriorating at a fast pace and the ANCYL is found wanting without a clear political trajectory,” he said.
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