The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer has shed light on a disturbing trend in Africa, where years of corruption scandals, inadequate public services, and unfulfilled promises have severely eroded confidence in governments. According to the report, six in ten people feel a deep sense of grievance, convinced that government and big business serve only the wealthy while ordinary people are left behind.

In Nigeria, for instance, only 44% of people express trust in their government, with corruption scandals, poor public services, and unfulfilled promises contributing to the deep-seated distrust. Citizens often feel disconnected from leadership, believing that politicians prioritize personal gain over national progress. Economic struggles and insecurity further fuel public skepticism, with controversial elections marred by irregularities, allegations of vote rigging, and lack of transparency deepening public distrust.

Kenya follows closely, with a 38% trust score, as corruption remains a persistent issue, shaking public confidence. Many Kenyans feel their leaders serve political elites rather than ordinary citizens. The Finance Bill protests of last year further deepened distrust, as citizens expressed outrage over proposed tax increases, which many saw as a burden on ordinary people while benefiting the political class.

South Africa, with a 36% trust score, exhibits declining trust in government due to corruption, economic instability, and governance failures. Issues like high unemployment, power shortages, and mismanagement have fueled public resentment. Many citizens feel their leaders fail to address inequality and crime, leading to increasing disillusionment with political institutions and democracy.

The Edelman Trust Barometer identifies four major factors driving this sense of grievance. Fear of the future is a significant concern, with only 36% of people believing the next generation will be better off than they are. This widespread pessimism signals a loss of hope, making it harder for individuals to trust that institutions are working in their best interest.

The growing divide between the rich and everyone else is another key issue, with wealthier people tend to have more confidence in institutions, having a 61% trust rate, compared to just 48% among lower-income groups. The crisis of leadership, where politicians, business leaders, and journalists are facing record-low levels of trust, is also a significant factor. A shocking 69% of people believe these figures deliberately mislead the public, a number that has jumped 11 points since 2021.

Finally, the information crisis has made trust even harder to maintain, with 63% of people saying it's becoming more difficult to tell real news from misinformation. As the lines between truth and deception blur, public confidence in media and institutions continues to erode.

The implications of this widespread distrust are far-reaching, making it even more difficult to rebuild faith in leadership, policy, and progress. As African countries struggle to address these underlying issues, it remains to be seen how they will work to restore trust and confidence in their governments.

In the meantime, the Edelman Trust Barometer serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and effective governance in Africa. As the continent continues to grapple with the consequences of institutional failures, it is imperative that leaders take concrete steps to address the growing sense of grievance and disillusionment among their citizens.