Chair of the Fix Africa Initiative, Frank Nweke II, has urged African nations to adopt governance systems that reflect their own history and identity rather than simply replicating Western democratic models.
Speaking at the #FixPolitics Africa Conference 2025, an event that also doubles as the graduation ceremony of the fifth cohort of unconventional leaders from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, Nweke emphasised that Africa must “reflect, re-imagine, and re-dedicate” itself to building democracies that truly serve the people.
“We must chart a path to governance that is credible, authentic, and rooted in our own realities,” he said.
“Democracy Must Earn Credibility”
In his address, Nweke challenged the notion of democracy as a Western import, citing examples of indigenous African governance systems that existed long before colonial rule.
“We recite models we did not make, systems we did not create, histories that are not our own,” he said, stressing that democracy in Africa must first “earn credibility” by adapting to the continent’s unique context.
He highlighted examples of countries like the United Kingdom, which maintains a monarchy within its democratic framework, and China, which has developed a system that suits its cultural and developmental needs. “No nation should simply import a model wholesale,” he added.
Pre-Colonial Governance as a Model
Nweke pointed to Africa’s own traditions of participatory governance, accountability, and communal values that predated colonialism.
He described how colonial authorities disrupted these systems, imposing alien structures that eroded indigenous practices.
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For example, he recalled how Britain introduced warrant chiefs in Igbo communities that had no centralised rulers, displacing existing assemblies of elders, age groups, and women’s councils. Across West Africa, he said, communal land systems gave way to colonial taxation ordinances, while restorative justice systems were replaced with punitive colonial courts.
“Leaders were once accountable to their people, not to themselves or a privileged elite,” Nweke said, underscoring the practical necessity of accountability in traditional governance.
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Key Pillars of Indigenous Democracy
The former minister identified three key features of pre-colonial African governance that he believes are vital for the continent’s future democracy:
- Accountability: He cited the Oyo Empire, where the Alaafin could be compelled to abdicate by the council of chiefs if he failed the people.
- Inclusion and Participation: Traditional governance was decentralised, ensuring that every segment of society had a voice through councils, associations, and women’s groups.
- Community Legitimacy: In kingdoms like Ashanti, chiefs were chosen by consensus, not imposed from above. Women once played strong roles in leadership before colonial systems diminished their influence.
“These practices ensured collective decision-making, prevented the abuse of power, and fostered a sense of shared responsibility,” he said.
Adapting Democracy for Africa’s Future
While acknowledging the complexities of modern states, Nweke argued that the principles of Africa’s indigenous governance systems remain relevant. “Democracy will not thrive here because it looks like Europe or America. It will thrive because it looks like Africa – credible, rooted, inclusive, accountable, and alive to the needs of the people,” he stated.
He cited Botswana, Mauritius, and Rwanda as examples of African countries that have, in different ways, built governance systems that deliver for their citizens. Rwanda, he noted, may not fit Western definitions of democracy but demonstrates legitimacy through effective governance and social cohesion.
From Crisis to Credibility
Nweke concluded by calling for a fusion of Africa’s best traditions with the positive aspects of inherited systems.
“It’s not about discarding everything colonialism left us. Some aspects can be embraced and reinforced,” he said. “We must build democracies that reflect our values of communal growth, accountability, participation, and legitimacy. That is the journey from crisis to credibility, a task we must not relent on until our aspirations for the continent are achieved.”
Ezekwesili Warns Against Democracy Crisis in Africa
Founder of the Fix Politics Initiative and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, has opened the 2025 Africa Conference with a strong call for urgent action to protect democracy on the continent.
Ezekwesili said the annual conference, which coincides with the SPPG graduation ceremony, is dedicated to addressing critical governance issues in Africa while fostering solutions that extend beyond the conference hall.
A Pan-African Dialogue
She explained that the conference traditionally provides a platform for leaders, policymakers, and citizens across the continent to engage in deep reflections on the state of democracy. According to her, the gathering not only hosts Nigerians but also welcomes participants from other African countries to “do a deep dive into the state of democracy on our continent”.
“The Africa Conference normally takes up a topical issue concerning our continent’s democracy,” she said. “It always delivers strong follow-up activities that we rigorously pursue throughout the year.”
Africa Cannot Afford a Crisis
Highlighting the global challenges facing democracy, Ezekwesili noted that the struggle is not limited to Africa. She recalled a recent conversation in New York where an American remarked that even the United States is grappling with threats to its democratic system.
“I just looked at the person and said, ‘The United States can afford to be in a struggle, but not Africa,” she recounted. “We haven’t even started in terms of getting to development. And so, to be in crisis is a double whammy.”
She stressed that the Fix Politics movement is determined not to allow democracy to collapse on the continent, warning that political instability would further derail Africa’s development aspirations.
Looking Ahead
Ezekwesili expressed optimism about the outcome of this year’s dialogue, saying the conversations will set the tone for practical steps toward strengthening democracy across Africa.
“It is my delight to really welcome you all and to look forward to an incredible conversation on this year’s theme,” she said.
The graduation ceremony brought together leaders, advocates, and learners committed to strengthening democracy.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
