India also ranked among the most trusted international partners, with 90 pc of respondents describing it as an ally
Perceptions of India are improving across Africa. The African Youth Survey 2026 found 45 pc of young respondents see India as influential, while 90 pc consider it an ally and 91 pc view its influence positively.
The findings come from the African Youth Survey 2026, commissioned by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation and conducted by PSB Insights. The survey interviewed 4,901 young people aged 18-24 across 16 African countries in March 2026 to assess their views on governance, development and international relations.
According to the survey, 45 pc of respondents said India has some or significant influence in their country, up from 37 pc in 2024. While India’s perceived influence remains below the United States at 81 pc and China at 79 pc, it enjoys one of the highest favourability ratings among global powers.
Among respondents who says that India has influence in their country, 91 pc described that influence as positive. This places India ahead of the United States at 85 pc, France at 87 pc, Russia at 83 pc, Germany at 90 pc and Brazil at 90 pc. Only China and the United Kingdom, both at 95 pc, recorded higher positive ratings among individual countries, while the European Union stood at 92 pc.
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India also ranked among the most trusted international partners, with 90 pc of respondents describing it as an ally. It ranked level with the European Union, ahead of Germany at 89 pc, the United States at 88 pc, Brazil at 87 pc, Russia at 86 pc and France at 85 pc. Only China at 95 pc and the United Kingdom at 92 pc ranked higher.
The survey found that young Africans increasingly prioritise practical economic partnerships over political alignment. Seventy percent believe the world is becoming more divided and dangerous, while 55 pc says that their countries should build alliances with nations that can deliver trade and investment regardless of political systems. In comparison, 42 pc preferred partnerships based on shared values and political systems.
According to the report, 43 pc of respondents says infrastructure and economic investment matter most when choosing an international partner. This was followed by respect for natural resources at 39 pc, democratic values and human rights at 34 pc, respect for sovereignty and non-interference at 34 pc, technology and knowledge transfer at 30 pc, and military and security support at 29 pc.
The report says that India’s growing standing reflects these priorities, with many respondents viewing it as an example of how a Global South country can expand its economy, strengthen technology capabilities and increase its global influence within a generation.
Despite the positive perception, 80 pc 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.
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The survey also found that 60 pc support building long-term alliances with one or two major global powers, while 37 pc favour neutrality.
On broader issues, 80 pc backed reform of the United Nations Security Council to include permanent African representation.
According to the report, 43 pc of respondents says infrastructure and economic investment matter most when choosing an international partner. This was followed by respect for natural resources at 39 pc, democratic values and human rights at 34 pc, respect for sovereignty and non-interference at 34 pc, technology and knowledge transfer at 30 pc, and military and security support at 29 pc.
The survey highlighted support for greater gender representation in leadership, with 68 pc saying their countries would be better governed if more women held senior government positions and 65 pc supporting reserved government positions for women.
Ivor Ichikowitz
Although only 22 pc of respondents were familiar with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), 69 pc of those aware of it were optimistic about its economic impact.
“India is winning over Africa’s youth because it is proof that history is not destiny. It 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? India has earned a strong position. The challenge now is to turn that position into a relationship of equals that delivers at scale,” says Ivor Ichikowitz, Founder and Commissioner of the African Youth Survey.
The African Youth Survey 2026 covered respondents in Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Togo, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
