Optimism is rising in Africa, here's why

By Katy Scott, CNN

Updated 1237 GMT (2037 HKT) December 16, 2016

Optimism about health care and education for the next generation is on the rise in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, according to a new report by<a href="http://www.pewglobal.org/2016/11/14/in-key-african-nations-widespread-discontent-with-economy-corruption/" target="_blank"> Pew Research Center</a>. <br />Pictured here: school children sing to wish happy birthday to former South African President Nelson Mandela in July 2013 in Pretoria.
Photos: What will Africa be like for our children?
South Africa – Optimism about health care and education for the next generation is on the rise in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, according to a new report by Pew Research Center.
Pictured here: school children sing to wish happy birthday to former South African President Nelson Mandela in July 2013 in Pretoria.
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Nearly seven-in-ten South Africans believe education will be better for their children, according to the survey. <br />Pictured here: a student walks to school in the town of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape in June 2013.
Photos: What will Africa be like for our children?
South Africa – Nearly seven-in-ten South Africans believe education will be better for their children, according to the survey.
Pictured here: a student walks to school in the town of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape in June 2013.
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Health care is another issue just over 60% of South Africans believe will improve for their children.<br /><br />Pictured here: a mother gives out drinks to children who have lost parents to AIDS in Alexandra township in the north of Johannesburg in May 2012.
Photos: What will Africa be like for our children?
South Africa – Health care is another issue just over 60% of South Africans believe will improve for their children.

Pictured here: a mother gives out drinks to children who have lost parents to AIDS in Alexandra township in the north of Johannesburg in May 2012.
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A broad majority of South Africans (62%) think the country's economic situation will improve in the next year. The study further found black South Africans to be significantly more optimistic than mixed-race and white South Africans.<br /><br />Pictured here, people walk in front of a Cash Loan shop in Marikana in April 2014.
Photos: What will Africa be like for our children?
South Africa – A broad majority of South Africans (62%) think the country's economic situation will improve in the next year. The study further found black South Africans to be significantly more optimistic than mixed-race and white South Africans.

Pictured here, people walk in front of a Cash Loan shop in Marikana in April 2014.
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Nigerians are overwhelmingly positive about their country's future economic prospects with 86% believing the economic situation will leap forward in the next 12 months.<br /><br />Pictured here, a customer withdraws Nigerian naira from an automated teller machine in Asaba, Delta State, in November 2016.
Photos: What will Africa be like for our children?
Nigeria – Nigerians are overwhelmingly positive about their country's future economic prospects with 86% believing