The African Youth Survey 2026 reveals that 90% of young Africans consider India an ally, with 91% viewing its influence positively, according to reports from Business Standard. The survey, commissioned by the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation and conducted by US-based PSB Insights, interviewed 4,901 young Africans aged 18 to 24 across 16 countries in March 2026. 45% of young Africans now say India has some or significant influence in their country, representing a significant increase from 37% in 2024. The findings come as India seeks to strengthen ties with African nations through development partnerships, trade, digital public infrastructure, health care, education and capacity-building initiatives, and as a leading voice of the Global South.
India ranks among the most trusted international partners, with 91% positive influence rating, as reported by Business Standard. This places it ahead of the US (85%), France (87%), Russia (83%), Germany (90%), and Brazil (90%). Only China and the United Kingdom, both at 95%, receive higher positive influence ratings among the individual countries tested. Among those who said India had influence in their country, 91% described that influence as "very" or "somewhat" positive, ahead of Germany (90%), Brazil (90%), the US (88%), Russia (86%), and France (85%). The European Union stands at 92% positive influence, while the European Union at 92% and the United Kingdom at 92% also rank higher. Despite India's overall influence remaining below that of China, the European Union, the US, Russia and Germany, it ranks significantly higher on positive influence metrics.
According to Ivor Ichikowitz, founder and commissioner of the African Youth Survey, India's growing influence is attributed to its own development trajectory, as reported by Business Standard. "India is winning over Africa's youth because it is proof that history is not destiny. India emerged from colonial rule, backed its entrepreneurs, built technological power and demanded a place at the global table. Young Africans look at that journey and see their own possibility. This goodwill creates a major opportunity, but it offers no guarantee. Africa's youth will judge India by the same hard test they apply to every global power: does the partnership create jobs, build industry, transfer knowledge and respect African sovereignty?" The survey's first edition was launched in 2020, providing a longitudinal perspective on changing perceptions.
The survey reveals that 70% of African youth accept that the world is becoming more divided and dangerous and that alliances should be chosen intelligently, according to Business Standard. 55% felt that countries should prioritise alliances with partners that can deliver benefits such as trade and investment, regardless of their system of government. However, 42% believed that alliances should be based on shared values and political systems, even when they are less effective at delivering tangible benefits. When it came to choosing an international partner, 43% said infrastructure and economic investment matter most, followed by respect for natural resources at 39%, then democratic values and human rights, and respect for sovereignty and non-interference, each selected by 34%. The survey also found 68% support for greater gender representation in leadership, with 65% supporting reserved government positions for women. Despite the positive perception, 80% of respondents expressed concern about the influence of foreign powers in their countries, suggesting support depends on partnerships delivering tangible economic benefits while respecting national interests.
"India has earned a strong position. The challenge now is to turn that position into a relationship of equals that delivers at scale," says Ichikowitz, as reported by Business Standard. "Africa's youth will judge India by the same hard test they apply to every global power: does the partnership create jobs, build industry, transfer knowledge and respect African sovereignty." The report found that young Africans are adopting a more pragmatic approach to global partnerships, with 80% concerned about foreign countries' influence over their own nations. Beyond international relations, 60% of respondents favoured building strong alliances with one or two major global powers, while 37% preferred neutrality. The survey also found 69% of those aware of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were optimistic about its economic impact, though only 22% were familiar with it. On broader issues, 80% backed reform of the United Nations Security Council to include permanent African representation.
