UDSM to host international conference on Gen Z role in Africa’s social movements

DAR ES SALAAM: THE University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), through its College of Social Sciences, is set to host an international conference to examine the role, contributions and challenges of Generation Z (Gen Z) in shaping the future of African societies.

The two-day Voice of Social Sciences Conference (VSS2026), scheduled for November 5 and 6, 2026, at the university, will bring together academics, researchers, young people, civil society representatives and other stakeholders from Tanzania, across Africa and beyond.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, Senior Lecturer, College of Social Sciences, UDSM, Dr Richard Sambaiga, said the conference would provide a platform for examining how young people influence social movements and contribute to shaping the continent’s future.

He said the conference would be held under the theme, “Rethinking Today and Tomorrow: Generation Z and Social Movements in Africa.”

Dr Sambaiga said the main objective was to create an opportunity for in-depth discussions on youth participation in leadership, governance, public institutional accountability and national debates.

He added that the discussions would explore how young people could contribute to building transparent, inclusive and accountable societies.

The conference will also examine the influence of digital technologies and social media in stimulating public debate, disseminating information, mobilising communities and encouraging young people to participate in addressing social challenges.

Other key areas expected to feature include employment challenges, economic opportunities, income-generating activities, gender issues, social relations, identity, income inequalities and climate change.

Participants will also discuss culture, education and knowledge production, with a view to understanding the broader factors influencing the experiences and participation of young people in society.

Dr Sambaiga said bringing together participants from different backgrounds and countries would provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas on the growing influence of Gen Z in Africa’s social and development agenda.

He emphasised that the conference sought to ensure that young people’s voices, ideas, aspirations and needs were given greater consideration in discussions and decisions concerning societal development and the future of the African continent.