Demographics Meets Democracy: How Young Africans Are Reshaping Politics

Event Overview 

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta will host Demographics Meets Democracy: How Young Africans Are Reshaping Politics, a free, public virtual dialogue with Michelle D. Gavin, a leading expert on African politics, U.S.–Africa relations, and governance. Drawing on her recent book, The Age of Change: How Urban Youth Are Transforming African Politics, and her extensive experience in government, policy, and diplomacy, Gavin will examine how Africa’s rapidly growing urban youth population is redefining political participation, power, and expectations of leadership across the continent. The conversation will explore how demographic change and urbanization are fueling new forms of activism and civic engagement, how governments are responding, and what these dynamics mean for the future of democracy in Africa. The discussion will also consider why these shifts matter beyond the continent, with implications for global governance, stability, and international engagement.

Agenda

• Africa’s youth as political actors reshaping power and participation

• Urbanization as a driver of new forms of activism and political influence

• Emerging modes of engagement beyond parties and elections, including digital and informal organizing

• How frustration, aspiration, and demands for accountability are redefining democracy

• Government responses to youth pressure—and what they reveal about Africa’s political futures

  
  

Distinguished Speaker 

Michelle D. Gavin is the Ralph Bunche senior fellow for Africa policy studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, bringing more than twenty‑five years of experience across government, policy, and nonprofit leadership. She previously served as U.S. ambassador to Botswana and as U.S. representative to the Southern African Development Community, and earlier as senior director for Africa at the National Security Council, where she helped launch the Young African Leaders Initiative and led major policy reviews. Gavin has also held senior roles in the U.S. Senate and at The Africa Center and has long been affiliated with CFR as a fellow. A Rhodes and Truman scholar, she holds an MPhil from Oxford University and a BA from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and serves on the board of Points of Light.

Moderator 

Rickey Bevington is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and nationally respected voice on global affairs, civic leadership, and the future of media. She serves as President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta and Executive in Residence at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, bringing decades of storytelling expertise and public‑engagement leadership to global dialogue. Previously, she spent more than 20 years as a television and radio journalist with outlets including Georgia Public Broadcasting, NPR, PBS NewsHour, and Marketplace, and delivered a widely recognized TEDx talk on media literacy and civic responsibility. An internationally engaged leader, Bevington has participated in elite leadership programs and fellowships across Europe and Asia and is a sought‑after moderator who has interviewed figures ranging from President Jimmy Carter to General David Petraeus. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Chair of the Agnes Scott College Board of Visitors, and a magna cum laude graduate of Barnard College. 

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Register here.