THREE events unfolding across the globe—carried out by people of different cultures, unknown to each other, and separated by thousands of kilometres—share a striking common link: Generation Z, or Gen Z. This refers to individuals born roughly between 1997 and 2012, currently aged 13 to 28.
Gen Z worldwide is defined by several key characteristics:
Digital Natives: They have grown up with the internet, smartphones, and social media as integral parts of life.
Diverse and Inclusive: More open-minded about race, gender, and identity than previous generations.
Socially Conscious: Concerned with climate change, mental health, and social justice.
Independent Learners: Use platforms like YouTube and TikTok for self-education and creativity.
Value Authenticity: Prefer honest, relatable content and brands that reflect their values.
As the first truly digital generation, Gen Z blends technology, activism, and individuality in shaping the world. They lean toward constructivism over objectivism—they actively participate in constructing the society they want, rather than passively accepting the status quo as previous generations did. Frustrated by the old, corrupt systems they were born into, they are determined to challenge and reshape the order.
Nepal: The Spark of Youth Activism
In September 2025, Nepalese Gen Z led large-scale anti-corruption protests across the country. These demonstrations were triggered when the government banned major social media platforms, inadvertently igniting pent-up frustrations over corruption, nepotism, inequality, and youth unemployment. Students and young adults in their late teens and twenties organized the protests through social media, highlighting the growing disconnect between political elites enjoying privileges and ordinary citizens struggling to survive.
Madagascar: Protests Against Systemic Mismanagement
Since late September 2025, Madagascar has witnessed significant youth-led protests driven by Gen Z. Chronic power and water shortages, seen by many young people as symptoms of systemic corruption and mismanagement, fuelled the movement.
Thousands gathered in Antananarivo, defying government bans to demand access to basic services. The movement, known as Gen Z Madagascar, gained rapid support online, amassing over 100,000 followers within days.
Morocco: Demanding Accountability and Services
Morocco is also experiencing a wave of Gen Z-led street protests, collectively called the 2025 Gen Z protests. Organized by decentralized online collectives such as Gen Z 212 and Morocco Youth Voice, the protests focus on improving public services, particularly in education and healthcare, and holding the government accountable.
Gen Z in Mauritius: The Silent Potential
In Mauritius, Gen Z makes up roughly 20% of the population, about 400,000 strong. The age distribution is as follows:
|
Age Group |
% of Total Population |
Estimated Population |
|
0–4 years |
4.60 |
58,400 |
|
5–12 years |
7.70 |
97,900 |
|
13–17 years |
5.80 |
73,700 |
|
18–24 years |
10.10 |
128,000 |
|
25–34 years |
15.80 |
200,000 |
|
35–44 years |
15.00 |
190,500 |
|
45–54 years |
14.00 |
177,700 |
|
55–64 years |
12.80 |
162,200 |
|
65+ years |
14.10 |
178,900 |
|
Total |
99.90 |
1,267,300 |
Mauritian Gen Z is well-educated but faces uncertain employment prospects. They live in a society marked by stark inequalities, where those at the top reap the greatest benefits while the majority struggle. The political class is widely viewed with disdain, perceived as disconnected from daily realities—one side on cloud nine, the other on ground zero. Many young people consider leaving the island for greener pastures, risking a brain drain that could otherwise fuel national development.
The current regime must tread carefully. Electoral promises appear increasingly neglected, and for Gen Z, all it takes is a spark to ignite widespread action—sometimes from what may seem like a trivial political miscalculation.
Saoud Baccus, Ph.D.
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