African youth lead Global Mental Health rankings as Western peers struggle

A new report by Sapien Labs, a global leader in mental health research, has revealed that young adults in Sub-Saharan Africa exhibit the highest mental well-being scores worldwide, in stark contrast to their Western counterparts, where youth mental health has sharply deteriorated since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mental State of the World 2024 Report, which analysed over one million responses from internet-enabled populations across 76 countries, found a significant decline in mental well-being among 18- to 34-year-olds in high-income nations, with no signs of recovery.

The deterioration is marked by difficulties in regulating emotions, controlling thoughts, and maintaining positive relationships.

Conversely, several African nations demonstrated stronger mental resilience. Tanzania ranked first globally in youth mental well-being, with young adults in Nigeria and Kenya also scoring relatively high, with Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scores above 60 and in the 50-60 range, respectively.

However, African youth scores remain below the global average for older adults. South Africa was the only surveyed African country aligned more with Western trends, with youth MHQ scores between 30-40—low, yet still higher than struggling nations like the UK, Ukraine, and New Zealand.

The report’s findings are based on the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), which assesses cognitive, emotional, and social well-being rather than simply tracking happiness, anxiety, or depression. It highlights that while older adults maintain high mental well-being, a large proportion of younger adults are facing functionally debilitating struggles. This decline has been linked to weakened social connections, early exposure to smartphones, increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, and greater exposure to environmental toxins. Many young people today report fewer close friendships, excessive online engagement, and diets contributing to emotional instability and cognitive challenges—factors fueling a deepening global mental health crisis.

Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, noted that Africa’s relatively strong youth mental health is an asset that must be actively protected as the continent undergoes rapid technological and economic shifts.

She emphasized the need for proactive government policies to safeguard mental resilience amid urbanization, digital transformation, and evolving lifestyles.

Globally, older populations scored significantly higher, averaging 100 MHQ. In Africa, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Israel, and the UAE, older adults achieved MHQ scores exceeding 110, with Nigeria ranked in this group. Kenya followed closely with scores between 100-110. In contrast, younger adults under 35 worldwide scored an average of just 38—over 60 points lower than their older counterparts.

Alarmingly, 41% of individuals under 35 are classified as distressed or struggling, experiencing multiple symptoms of mental distress that impair their ability to function effectively. Across all surveyed countries, younger adults reported poorer mental health than older generations. Only 15 of the 79 nations surveyed had an average MHQ above 50 for young adults, with Tanzania being the sole country exceeding 65—comparable to the lowest scores among older adults globally.

The report suggests that stronger community ties, later smartphone exposure, and more face-to-face interactions contribute to Africa’s relatively high scores. In contrast, high-income nations have seen a decline in these protective factors, as digital connectivity and individualism replace traditional social structures. However, researchers warn that Africa’s advantage could diminish if these social and cultural bonds are not preserved amid growing urbanization and technological adoption.

Dr. Thiagarajan cautioned that the widening generational gap in mental well-being poses serious challenges, particularly as older generations exit the workforce. She warned of reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and heightened social anxiety if younger generations continue to struggle with mental resilience. For Africa, she noted, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge: governments must address childhood exposure to smartphones, ultra-processed diets, and environmental toxins while reinforcing the social and cultural frameworks that have supported youth mental well-being.