Africa Futures Index

The AFI is the first continent-wide, data-driven measure of youth leadership integration and intergenerational socialization, highlighting baseline findings, key gaps, and exemplary models to strengthen Africa’s leadership ecosystems.

2026 Ranking

Purpose

The Africa Futures Index (AFI) is a pioneering framework for tracking and promoting youth leadership integration across the continent.

Scope

Designed as both a tangible measurement tool and advocacy instrument, the AFI evaluates how effectively African nations, institutions, and sectors are creating pathways for young leaders (18–40) to meaningfully contribute to governance, enterprise, education, the arts, etc. and the continent’s broader development.

AFI’s Triple Role

Beyond a decisive scorecard, AFI is a living tool for Advocacy, Accountability, & Leadership Transformation across Africa.

AFI Performance Tiers

Model Performers

Countries that demonstrate strong integration of youth in leadership and effective intergenerational collaboration. They serve as models of best practice, showcasing policies, institutions, and programs that can be replicated across the continent.

Model Performers

Countries making notable progress but still facing gaps in fully embedding youth leadership pathways. They show promising initiatives and reforms that, with greater support and scaling, can elevate them into leadership status.

Nascent Performers

Countries with limited progress or weak structures for youth leadership inclusion and intergenerational socialization. These contexts often reflect policy gaps, cultural barriers, or institutional resistance, requiring targeted reforms and stronger commitments to move forward.

AFI Implementation Process

1. Data Collection & Verification

The AFI relies on credible, multi-source data to ensure accuracy and legitimacy. AFI Data is obtained from:

Official sources (national statistics offices, AU, UN, AfDB, World Bank).
Youth surveys and civil society reports to capture lived experiences
Independent research institutions and think tanks.
We engage country focal points and regional partners for contextual accuracy.

2. Scoring & Analysis

Each African country is evaluated across the AFI Key Metrics using clear indicators and scoring scales (0–100).

This process ensures that results are Comparable, Transparent, and Actionable.

3 Ranking & Classification

Countries are then compared regionally and continent-wide, highlighting Model, Emerging and Nascent Performers.

The AFI Performance Tiers classify countries based on how effectively they integrate youth into leadership and foster intergenerational collaboration. These tiers highlight varying levels of progress; from high-performing models to countries still developing inclusive leadership pathways.

4. Reporting & Dissemination

The results are disseminated annually at the Africa Futures Forum, a high-level convening of governments, private sector, civil society, youth networks, and development partners.

Publish annual AFI Report with country rankings, trends, and recommendations.
The release includes the AFI Report, Country Profiles, and a Digital Dashboard
Share insights through policy briefs, forums, and digital platforms
The Forum doubles as a platform for recognizing champions, sharing best practices, and launching new initiatives inspired by AFI findings.

5. Advocacy & Engagement

Use AFI findings to drive dialogue with governments, civil society, and private sector actors.
Policymakers, media, and the public engage with findings through panel discussions, policy briefs, and advocacy campaigns.
Support reforms, policies, and programs that advance youth leadership integration.
Equip youth movements with data to strengthen accountability.

6. Review & Continuous Improvement

The Africa Futures Index provides governments with an evidence-based framework to measure progress on youth inclusion. For the first time, we can benchmark our performance against the continent and identify clear pathways for reform.

The AFI goes beyond data, it’s our voice turned into evidence. It proves that young Africans are ready to lead, and it holds institutions accountable for opening doors.

By spotlighting gaps and best practices, the AFI equips civil society with the tools we need to advocate for policies that prioritize intergenerational leadership and sustainable change.

The AFI highlights the importance of building inclusive leadership pipelines. It is a valuable resource for businesses committed to nurturing Africa’s next generation of leaders.