Is democracy bringing prosperity to Africa?
Long-term data analysis shows that fair and competitive elections are key to Africa’s growth and development.
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The number of democracies in Africa has increased and the level of democracy has improved over time. So why is democracy not delivering its development potential in Africa?
A new African Futures research paper provides answers by exploring the relationship between democracy, human development and growth in Africa. Findings point to the importance of the nature of governing elites, the quality of electoral democracy and the impact of patronage. Long-term forecasts confirm that democracy does matter for growth and development; but not just any democracy. What Africa needs most are regular, fair and competitive elections.
Copies of the paper will be available at the seminar.
Chair: Zachary Donnenfeld, Researcher, African Futures and Innovation, ISS
Speakers:
Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures and Innovation, ISS
Dr Garth le Pere, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria
Picture: ©UNPhoto
