Africa’s Democracy Advocates Push For Stronger Accountability Through Data
As democratic pressures and disinformation continue to test governance systems across Africa, civil society leaders are increasingly turning to credible data as a tool for accountability and citizen empowerment.
This formed the focus of the recent Data for Governance Alliance (D4GA) Continental Reflections on Democracy, Governance, and Human Rights in Africa convening held in Accra, where over 60 civil society leaders, policy makers, and development partners gathered to chart practical pathways for strengthening democracy, human rights, and citizen participation across the continent.
The high-level meeting, led by Afrobarometer and supported by GIZ, on behalf of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, focused on improving collaboration between civil society organisations and the African Union.
Speaking during the event, E. Gyimah-Boadi described citizen-generated data as a “powerful instrument for change,” stressing that reliable data remains essential for amplifying citizens’ voices and strengthening accountability at a time of democratic backsliding and shrinking civic space.
Head of the African Governance Architecture Secretariat at the AU, Salah Hammad, urged African leaders to match democratic promises with concrete action, warning that treaties and commitments lose meaning without implementation and accountability.
Also speaking, Daniel Böhme highlighted the importance of evidence-based policy making amid dwindling resources, while Karin Stanghed reaffirmed the European Union’s support for stronger civil society engagement in governance and conflict prevention efforts.
The convening ended with the drafting of policy recommendations and a communiqué aimed at advancing inclusive governance, citizen participation, and human-rights protections across Africa.
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