Youth Engagement in Law Across Africa: A Comparative Analysis with South Africa as a Case Study

Youth engagement in law across Africa has garnered increasing attention for its potential to address socio-economic challenges and promote inclusive development. A comparative analysis using qualitative methods, including interviews, surveys, and document reviews from various African countries, focusing on South Africa's unique context. Youth engagement in legal processes shows significant variation across regions, with urban youth more likely to participate actively compared to rural counterparts (54% vs. 32%), South Africa's youth-led initiatives have notably influenced law reform and policy discourse, yet face challenges such as limited resources and awareness. Enhanced support for youth participation in legal processes through capacity building and advocacy efforts is recommended to maximise their contributions.