Introduction

This chapter provides the context and background of the book, drawing on diverse perspectives of the definition of a youth in the context of Africa. The chapter also analyses the factors that have over time undermined the relationship between the elites and youth on the continent, and how those factors have necessitated the emergence of social movements in the respective regions of Africa. The author provides a detailed history of social movements in Africa, their successes and the challenges that they have been contending with. He provides a background on the types of changes that social movements have experienced in the continent, with those compared to other parts of the world. Additionally, the chapter explores the current literature on social movements globally and also engages peacebuilding as a concept and a process and how youth are connecting with across the continent. Additionally, it provides a synopsis of chapters in the book.