A big question is stirring across Africa: should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote? With young people making up the majority of the population but often sidelined in decision-making, many are asking if lowering the voting age could inject new life into democracy—or leave teens vulnerable to political manipulation. The debate, sparked by The Conversation Africa, draws perspectives from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria.
Some experts say African democracies cannot afford to ignore their youth. Amanuel Tesfaye from the University of Helsinki argues that lowering the voting age could reduce alienation and build trust. He believes enfranchising teenagers would send a strong message of inclusion and show that their voices matter in shaping the future.
Others urge caution. Clement Sefa-Nyarko of King’s College London points out that voting is not just about rights but informed choices. Without strong civic education, he warns, 16-year-olds could become easy targets for manipulation, especially in countries where political literacy is already low.
In Nigeria, however, academics like Olawale Bestoyin Kareem note that many teens are already politically active—through school debates, protests, activism and social media. For him, lowering the voting age would simply formalise what is already happening informally, allowing youth energy to flow into electoral politics.
The debate isn’t unique to Africa. Countries like Austria, Argentina, Brazil and Scotland have allowed 16-year-olds to vote in certain elections. Research shows that when given the chance, teens do turn out and make thoughtful decisions, often matching the responsibility of older voters. Still, critics caution that without safeguards, they remain vulnerable to peer pressure and online influence.
Across Africa, young people are already shaping politics outside the ballot box—from Nigeria’s #EndSARS movement to Kenya’s climate justice protests and Ghana’s digital campaigns. Lowering the voting age, some argue, could provide an institutional outlet for this activism, turning protest into policy influence.
But challenges remain. Governments would need to invest heavily in civic and media education, harmonise legal frameworks, and show political will to make the change inclusive rather than partisan. For some leaders, young voters might be a welcome democratic force; for others, they may pose a threat to the status quo.
One thing is clear: Africa’s democratic future depends on how it listens to and prepares its youngest citizens. Whether the voting age drops to 16 or not, the continent’s youth are already shaping its political direction—through their voices, activism and demands for accountability.
