Gen-Z's African narrative: Are we walking into trouble?

Millennials must balance guidance with respect, ensuring Uganda’s Gen Z narrative reflects local values and unique generational challenges.

COMMONSENSE | In recent years, a curious trend has emerged where millennials—now seasoned professionals—have taken on the role of self-appointed experts on Generation Z.

These millennials, having climbed the career ladder, often find themselves in positions of influence and seem eager to guide the younger generation.

However, this well-meaning attempt to shield Gen Z from mistakes raises an uncomfortable question: Are millennials forgetting their own journey, a path often paved with errors and hard-learned lessons?

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is the first cohort to grow up entirely in the digital age. Unlike millennials, who witnessed the internet’s rise, Gen Z has always known a world dominated by social media and instant connectivity.

Yet, despite these differences, many millennials impose their values and experiences onto Gen Z, without fully appreciating the unique challenges this generation faces.

In Uganda, as in many parts of Africa, this generational tension is further complicated by the fact that the Gen Z narrative is often shaped by trends from the Global North.

The narratives around climate change activism, digital entrepreneurship, and social justice that dominate Gen Z discussions in Western contexts do not always align with the realities in Uganda.

Here, the challenges include navigating a rapidly evolving job market, economic instability, and the pressures of traditional cultural expectations. These factors must be considered when engaging with and supporting Gen Z in Uganda, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

The notion that Gen Z should be protected from making mistakes is misguided. Mistakes are crucial for personal growth—they are how we learn, adapt, and ultimately succeed.

Millennials, now in their 30s and 40s, should remember their own journeys, often marked by trial and error, and grant Gen Z the same freedom to explore and grow.

Moreover, the uncritical adoption of global narratives can be counterproductive. For example, while "hustle culture" in the West emphasizes individualism and self-reliance, Ugandan culture still places a strong emphasis on community and collective responsibility.

Ignoring these local cultural values in favor of imported ideologies risks alienating a generation that could otherwise thrive by embracing their unique cultural identity.

As we incorporate the Gen Z narrative into Uganda’s context, it is essential to approach it with balance and understanding. We must resist the urge to blindly follow global trends and instead take the time to tailor these narratives to fit our local context.

This requires listening to Ugandan Gen Zs, understanding their aspirations and concerns, and giving them the space to make their own mistakes and learn from them.

In conclusion, while it is natural for older generations to want to guide the younger ones, it is crucial to do so with humility and respect for their unique experiences.

Millennials had their time to explore, make mistakes, and grow—it is only fair that Gen Z is given the same opportunity. Let us ensure that the Gen Z narrative we embrace in Uganda truly reflects our local realities, values, and aspirations.