Gen Z against the Status Quo: Madagascar’s Youth Uprising
In late September 2025, widespread protests broke out in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, following prolonged water shortages and constant electricity blackouts. For many residents, years of government neglect had turned daily life into a struggle for basic needs. What began as frustration over essential services quickly evolved into a national outcry against poverty, corruption, and political exclusion.
At the heart of these protests is a youthful generation, most under 30, rallying under the banner of Gen Z Madagascar. This new movement is informal, leaderless, and highly connected through social media. They communicate through memes, music, and digital activism, blending pop culture with political expression. Their demands range from reliable access to water and electricity to broader reforms such as government accountability, electoral transparency, and the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina.
As the protests gained momentum, the government responded by dissolving the cabinet and declaring curfews. Security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, leading to dozens of casualties. Despite the repression, demonstrations spread to several cities, signaling a deeper political awakening among Madagascar’s youth.
What makes this uprising remarkable is its resemblance to the youth-led movements that emerged in Kenya in 2024. Kenyan Gen Z activists famously mobilized nationwide protests against the controversial Finance Bill. Using digital platforms, they organized mass demonstrations that forced the government to withdraw parts of the legislation. Their leaderless, tech-savvy, and values-driven approach became a blueprint for youth activism across Africa.
Just like their Kenyan counterparts, Malagasy youths are redefining how political power is contested. They reject traditional political hierarchies, choosing instead to rely on digital organizing and collective voices. Social media has become their parliament, and hashtags their rallying cries. What once began as isolated grievances has evolved into a new form of civic engagement that transcends borders.
This new wave of activism represents a generational shift. Young people no longer see politics as the preserve of elites; they see it as a space for accountability, innovation, and transformation. Their protests are not just about surviving but about living with dignity, fairness, and hope. As one protester in Antananarivo put it, “We want to live, not survive.”
The political implications of this movement are profound. Governments across Africa are being forced to recognize that legitimacy is no longer guaranteed by elections alone, it must be earned daily through service, transparency, and responsiveness. Youths, empowered by connectivity and shared experiences, are emerging as powerful political actors capable of shaping national agendas.
Madagascar’s current unrest is therefore not an isolated event but part of a larger generational tide sweeping across Africa. From Nairobi to Antananarivo, young people are rewriting the rules of engagement. They are using digital tools to amplify their voices, dismantle fear, and demand governments that work for the people.
Whether this movement leads to lasting institutional reform remains to be seen. The challenge lies in sustaining momentum without falling into political co-optation or violence. Yet one thing is clear: the youth of Madagascar, inspired by the bold defiance of their Kenyan peers, have declared that the future belongs to them—and they are no longer waiting to be invited into the political space.