VIEWPOINT | Democracy in Africa: A dream deferred? 

Most Africans look favourably on democracy. However, Africa’s democratic project faces significant challenges, including weakening support, a lack of accountability and coups. Nurturing democracy on the continent will require active engagement by various stakeholders, including business, says Afrobarometer Director of Communications Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny.  

Afrobarometer’s report African Insights 2024: Democracy at risk – the people’s perspective provides a compelling snapshot of the status of democracy on the continent. What are the key findings of the report? 

Afrobarometer’s African Insights 2024 shows most Africans prefer democracy to any other system of government and reject non-democratic alternatives, including military rule. They also strongly endorse the norms, institutions and practices associated with democratic governance, such as choosing political leaders through elections, constitutional limits on presidential tenure, presidential compliance with court rulings, parliamentary oversight of the executive, media freedom and multiparty competition. A clear majority say it is more important to have a government that is accountable to the people than one that ‘gets things done’. 

African citizens have a clear preference for democracy, yet many governments are failing to deliver this. What are some of the main challenges to democratisation and how can these be addressed?  

Many African countries suffer from weak political and legal institutions that are unable to enforce laws, ensure accountability or support the democratic process. Only a slim majority of citizens think their presidents usually comply with parliament (56%) and the courts (54%), and just one-third think officials who commit crimes are usually held accountable. Corruption, which undermines these institutions, is getting worse. About six in 10 Africans say corruption levels in their countries increased over the past year. Unfortunately, 67% of Africans say their governments are failing in the fight against corruption. 

Why is trust in electoral processes declining and what type of electoral reforms may be needed to prevent the irregularities and abuse we see across the continent? 

The decline in trust in electoral processes may reflect citizens’ disappointment with elections that are marred by disputes or violence, or perhaps a recognition that elections by themselves do not guarantee accountable governance or reliable public services. Public trust in national electoral management bodies is weak in most countries. Investing in electoral management bodies and strengthening their independence would go a long way towards restoring public confidence in electoral processes. 

Misinformation plays a significant role in influencing voting, both globally and locally. What is the situation like in Africa and what are the best ways to counter misinformation? 

Mis- and disinformation pose serious challenges to democratic governance, particularly given the ease and speed with which such information is disseminated in the digital era. Our surveys conducted in 2019 and 2021 show that Africans blame a wide range of actors for spreading information they know is false. The perpetrators cited most often are politicians and political parties (64%) and social media users (64%). About half blame the media (52%), government officials (51%) and activists and interest groups (45%). Effective civic education can help in countering misinformation. 

Please provide an example of a democratic ‘success story’ and indicate to which this can be attributed. 

Zambia’s democratic resilience over the past few years would be a good example. After Edgar Lungu’s disputed 2016 election win, his government arrested opponents, restricted the media, suspended parliament and declared a state of emergency, leading to concerns of authoritarianism. However, Zambians remained committed to democracy, even though their satisfaction level fell to 37% in 2020. After Hakainde Hichilema’s landslide win in 2021, the satisfaction with democracy rebounded to 71% in 2022.  

What is the role of civil society in strengthening democracy? How can NPOs get involved? 

The role of civil society – including nongovernmental organisations, businesses and social movements – is to act as an additional system of checks and balances to the government. It can strengthen democracy by raising awareness of and advocating against any government actions that threaten to undermine political freedoms or democratic institutions. Civil society groups can also help to empower citizens through civic education. 

What should companies do to strengthen democracy in Africa? 

Companies should work closely with independent research and advocacy organisations, including providing funding support for research and advocacy aimed at improving democratic and accountable governance. The effective rule of law and public sector accountability are important conditions for businesses to grow and thrive.  

What is the future of democracy in Africa? 

The ability of governments to deliver democracy and accountable governance continues to lag behind citizens’ expectations. However, a majority of Africans remain committed to democracy, which suggests that the grounds are fertile for democracy to thrive. The future of Africa’s democracy is bright, but only if elected leaders commit to meeting the aspirations of their citizens.