Reimagining democracy in Africa

Reimagining democracy in Africa

Democracy in Africa must evolve beyond elections and procedural norms to deliver on development. 

Many analysts believe that the current democratic crisis in Africa is not just about flawed institutions but also about the lack of substantive outcomes that improve citizens’ lives.

Participants at last week’s high-level dialogue Reimagining Democracy in Africa: Comparative Experiences from the Global South, made a strong call to reimagine democracy through a people-centred lens.

Held in Pretoria in the lead-up to South Africa’s G20 presidency in November 2025, the event came at a critical moment.

Democracy in Africa under pressure

Democracy across Africa is under increasing pressure from economic recession, surging populism, military takeovers, and deepening public disillusionment with political institutions.

Speakers called for stronger regional mechanisms, particularly from the African Union, to uphold democratic norms and respond more decisively to threats like coups, repression, and civic space restrictions.

Lessons from South Africa, Latin America, and Asia underscored the importance of inclusive democratic transitions and the long-term work required to sustain them.

More global challenges

Delegates acknowledged the growing influence of global challenges like climate change, digitalization, and disinformation on democratic processes and urged governments and civil society to adapt policy frameworks to protect democratic values while fostering innovation and citizen trust.

Corruption and weak governance

Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, former Prime Minister of Sudan said that the decline in democracy across Africa is the result of poor economic performance, widespread corruption, and weak governance.

“Most Africans are dissatisfied with how democracy is performing. When democratic governments fail, the military steps in. This does not necessarily mean that people want the military, it’s purely a reflection of frustration and abandonment,” said Hamdok.

Perceptions about democracy

“Countries around the world are experiencing economic recession. Rising nationalist and populist governments, along with undemocratic changes in government, are seriously challenging the universal acceptance of democracy.”

According to Dr. Chukwumeka Eze of the Open Society the failure to address critical economic questions impacts how citizens perceive the very concept of democracy.

Measuring democracy

While 66% of Africans continue to believe in democracy (according to Afrobarometer) governance failures are increasing public tolerance for unconstitutional transitions.

According to Afrobarometer, over half of respondents are open to military intervention when elected leaders abuse power, highlighting a gap between democratic ideals and citizens’ daily realities.

Image: Democracy must be measured by outcomes not just elections but by its ability to deliver dignity, equity, and justice. Image credit: Nigeria Info FM.

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Reimagining democracy in Africa