The Role of Digital Media in Promoting Youth Civic Engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This literature review looks at the overlap of digital media and civic engagement of youth in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically the 2024 demonstrations led by Kenyan Generation Z. The study relies on the principles of development communication to point out the way in which digital platforms have emerged as essential mobilizations, advocacy, and participatory dialogue instruments. The theoretical framework combines the Uses and Gratifications Theory, the Participatory Communication Model, and Social Network Theory to provide the theoretical explanation of youth motivations to participate in digital activism, the communal character of online civic places and the networked diffusion of protest messages. #FeesMustFall in South Africa, #EndSARS in Nigeria and the anti-tax protests in Kenya are examples of case studies where hashtags, influencers, and viral campaigns have been used to mobilize youth in mass numbers. Nevertheless, there are always constant obstacles to equal participation in the form of the digital divide, misinformation, governmental surveillance, and urban/rural inequality. There are opportunities in terms of improving civic literacy, bolstering policy advocacy and creating inclusive participatory platforms of communication that incorporate online and offline participation. It is important to note that the review reveals gaps in localized studies, and in this case, the localized studies have gaps in the aspect of rural youth activism and non-social media channels of communication. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and development communication practitioners to harness digital media as a tool for inclusive and sustainable youth civic engagement in Africa.