By Paulo Bussane | Africa has long been seen as a continent on the brink of transformation. Over the last few decades, democracy has flourished in many nations, with elections becoming the centerpiece of political change. For decades, African countries were ruled by authoritarian regimes, military juntas, or colonial powers. Yet, as the century turned, hope emerged, and democratic processes were slowly adopted across the continent. Despite holding regular elections, many African nations are still struggling to achieve meaningful development. So, can democracy be the engine of true development, or is it merely a political game where the masses are left behind?
As elections have become the symbol of Africa’s democratic journey, it’s clear that they bring about both hope and frustration. Voters across the continent flock to the polls, placing their hopes in the belief that democracy will deliver on promises of peace, stability, and economic prosperity. South Africa, a country that emerged from the shadows of apartheid to become a beacon of democratic progress, stands as one of the continent’s shining examples. Yet, while it has undoubtedly made strides in terms of political freedoms, the reality on the ground is often more complicated. Despite regular elections and the peaceful transfer of power, South Africa remains trapped in a quagmire of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. A country once hailed as the model for African democracy now faces widespread political corruption, joblessness, and racial tensions. The question is: what is going wrong?
In 2019, South Africa’s unemployment rate was over 30 percent, and a staggering 55 percent of the population lived below the poverty line. The country’s democracy has not been able to break the chains of its apartheid past, and in some ways, the transition to democracy has failed to fulfill the promises that were made to its people. As President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa himself put it, “We cannot afford to have a democracy that does not deliver on the promise of improving people’s lives.” Ramaphosa’s words ring true across much of the continent. Despite holding elections regularly, many African governments still fail to deliver basic services, decent healthcare, and infrastructure that can lift millions out of poverty.
Ghana, often touted as one of the continent’s more successful democracies, also exemplifies the dilemma facing African nations. Since the early 1990s, Ghana has made significant strides in consolidating its democracy with peaceful elections and political transitions. However, much of its economic development remains stunted. Ghana, like many African countries, struggles with poor infrastructure, a lack of jobs for its young population, and a reliance on foreign aid. While Ghana’s democracy provides political stability, the developmental gains have been modest at best. The UN’s 2019 Human Development Index (HDI) ranked Ghana 142nd globally, far from a prosperous nation. The problem, according to Ghanaian political analyst Kwame A. Nkrumah, lies not in the absence of democracy but in “the failure of democratic institutions to deliver on the most basic needs of its citizens.”
But why does this paradox exist? Why are elections, which seem to promise so much, failing to bring about the change needed? A major issue lies in the fact that many African nations still struggle with systemic corruption, ineffective governance, and fragile political institutions. The transparency and accountability that democracy requires often remain elusive. Many African leaders have mastered the art of “electioneering” but lack the political will to implement long-term development policies. In Kenya, for instance, the 2007-2008 post-election violence, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands, highlights the dark side of democracy. The elections were marred by allegations of fraud, ethnic violence, and vote-rigging. A country that holds elections but fails to build trust among its people and institutions is one that jeopardizes its democratic and developmental prospects.
Furthermore, the issue of political elites using democracy to perpetuate their own power has become a central issue. In many African countries, the political elite remains entrenched, using democracy as a façade to maintain control over resources and power. The ruling party’s hold over the state apparatus often prevents genuine competition, and the ruling class manipulates the system to remain in office, often by rigging elections, suppressing opposition, and stifling dissent. As Nigerian author Chinua Achebe once put it, “The problem with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” He could just as easily have been talking about many other African countries. In these situations, democracy often turns into a mere ritual, one that provides an illusion of choice but not real power to the people.
Moreover, one cannot ignore the pervasive influence of poverty and inequality on the effectiveness of democracy in Africa. As long as the majority of the population lives in abject poverty, democracy will always be a struggle. Voter turnout, for example, often declines in countries where the people see little benefit from elections. This is particularly true for the youth, who have increasingly distanced themselves from the political process. As Nanjala Nyabola, a Kenyan political analyst, pointed out in her book Digital Democracy, “It is difficult to ask young people to engage in politics when their daily struggle for survival is so consuming.” In countries like Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, youth unemployment rates are alarmingly high. These young people, often without access to quality education or job prospects, are left without faith in a system that seems indifferent to their struggles.
While democracy in Africa has undeniably brought about some positive change, such as the reduction of political violence in certain countries, it has not solved the core issue of development. Democracy, in its current form, has not created a direct link between elections and economic improvement. In fact, in many cases, the political process itself has created barriers to economic progress. Leaders often prioritize short-term political goals, like securing electoral victory, rather than long-term planning for development. As the Tanzanian political theorist Ali A. Mazrui once said, “Africa’s political economy is locked in a paradox. On the one hand, democracy promises political freedom; on the other, it demands economic sacrifices.”
However, to say that democracy is inherently flawed in Africa would be misleading. The issue lies not with the idea of democracy but with its implementation. Africa must take a more holistic approach to development, one that includes economic policies targeting poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. A deeper commitment to fighting corruption and building accountable systems is essential. Institutions must be able to deliver the services and infrastructure needed to sustain a healthy democracy, and the democratic process itself must involve not just elections but meaningful participation in governance.
African leaders must also shift their focus from solely winning elections to prioritizing the long-term well-being of their citizens. In that sense, true democracy will only emerge when African leaders prioritize economic development as much as they prioritize electoral victories. The people’s voices must be heard, but that voice must be more than just a vote—it must also reflect their economic aspirations and hopes for a better life. In the words of Nigerian political leader Obafemi Awolowo, “The issue is not whether Africa can be democratic, but whether democracy can work for Africa.”
There is hope, albeit faint, that Africa’s youth, who are increasingly engaged in the political landscape, may be the ones who push for a more meaningful form of democracy. This new generation has access to global ideas, technology, and networks that could be used to create an Africa that delivers on its democratic promises