SUMMARY: In recent years, several studies indicated that there is a downward trend in youth participation in politics and civic activities, in both the global South and the global North.
Most of these studies were conducted in the West – only a few in the global South; and not all their authors are agreed on the subject of youth participation. Yet the general view that emerges is that the majority of young people are not taking part in national elections and other civic activities, a situation often characterized as pathetic disengagement from political life. There are also reports that, in various countries, quite a large number of youths
are not members of any political parties. Namibia is no exception to this trend or to the corresponding claims. But an increase
in mobile phone subscriptions in this country is perceived as a possible game changer: this gadget could switch on the right buttons for sparking an interest in political participation
and civic engagement among the youth. This is the main idea to which the present study is dedicated.