Youth Identity and Political Participation in Urban Africa: An Egyptian Perspective

Youth in urban Africa face significant challenges in political participation due to socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and educational disparities. The research employs a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with young people aged 18-35 from various socio-economic backgrounds in Cairo. Data analysis focuses on thematic content. Interviews revealed that over 70% of participants felt alienated by traditional political systems, yet identified civic education as crucial for fostering more inclusive and participatory governance models. Despite challenges, there is a strong desire among young Egyptians to be actively involved in shaping urban policies. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions that address youth identity formation and enhance their engagement with politics. Urban policymakers should integrate youth-focused education programmes into existing curricula to promote civic awareness and participation. Additionally, creating more accessible political forums can help bridge the gap between young people and current governance structures.