Is governance across Africa in crisis? | The Stream

Summary

In this insightful discussion, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other African leaders address the decline in African governance and the impact of the pandemic. They emphasize the importance of engaging young people and civil society in leadership roles, leveraging technology for better governance, and the need for inclusive politics. The conversation highlights the role of women in leadership, the challenges they face, and the importance of diverse perspectives in creating effective governance across the continent.

Takeaways

• 📊 The Ibrahim Index of African Governance measures public perception of leadership and governance across Africa, reflecting the 'eye rolls' of citizens towards their leaders.
• 📉 There was a noted decline in governance in Africa in 2019, marking a concerning trend, which is further exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on health and economic stability.
• 🌏 The conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging the youth and making them feel like stakeholders in their countries' development and prosperity.
• 👵 Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected woman president in Africa, stresses the need for leaders to listen to their communities and respect their priorities.
• 🌳 Yvonne Aki-Soysa, Mayor of Freetown, highlights the importance of community engagement and technology in transforming cities, citing examples like the 'Freetown Tree' climate change strategy.
• 💡 The script discusses the role of civil society and the private sector in governance, suggesting that dissatisfaction can lead individuals to take action and participate in politics.
• 📈 There is a call for more inclusive governance, particularly for young people, women, and people with disabilities, to ensure diverse representation in political leadership.
• 🕺 The script touches on the use of social media and digital platforms for political engagement, as seen in the animation of President Museveni dancing to appeal to younger voters.
• 👶 The emphasis is on preparing young people for leadership roles, given their understanding of digitalization and the importance of technology in shaping the future.
• 🚀 The conversation advocates for a blend of youthful and experienced leadership, where the former brings innovation and the latter provides wisdom and stability.
• 👩 The script acknowledges the challenges faced by women leaders in Africa, including higher expectations and the need to prove their legitimacy in leadership roles.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance?

The Ibrahim Index of African Governance measures the quality of governance in African countries by collecting data from African citizens on their perceptions of their leaders and countries.

What does the decline in governance in Africa observed in 2019 signify according to Mo Ibrahim?

The decline in governance signifies a worrying trend that could impact the overall progress and development of African countries, as it reflects the citizens' dissatisfaction with their leaders and governance systems.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Africa according to the discussion in the script?

The pandemic has had a major impact on Africa, not only in terms of health services but also on the economic front, exacerbating existing challenges and causing further concern for the continent's future.

What role does Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emphasize for young people in governance during her term as President of Liberia?

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf emphasizes the importance of engaging young people, making them feel like stakeholders, and recognizing their capacities to ensure they are part of the country's development and prosperity.

What is the significance of Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr's approach to governance as the Mayor of Freetown?

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr's approach to governance involves community ownership, technology, and performance management, aiming to transform the city and ensure that residents are actively involved in decision-making processes.

How does Pajello Quinuendo view the inclusion of young people in politics and governance in Africa?

Pajello Quinuendo acknowledges the challenges in including young people in politics and governance but sees a positive change with more young people being appointed to political positions, suggesting a need for continued lobbying for cheaper access to politics.

What is the importance of the digital world in shaping the future of governance according to the script?

The digital world is crucial for future governance as it allows for better engagement with citizens, especially the youth, and enables the use of technology to improve service delivery and decision-making processes.

What does Ellen Johnson Sirleaf believe is necessary for change in African leadership?

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf believes that change in African leadership requires preparing young people for leadership roles, ensuring gender equality by promoting women in leadership, and addressing the overstay in office by some leaders.

How does the script discuss the importance of women in leadership roles in Africa?

The script highlights the importance of women in leadership by showcasing female leaders and discussing the need for more women in high office to influence laws and policies that protect and promote gender equality.

What advice does the script offer to young leaders in Africa?

The advice given to young leaders in Africa is to take away any doubt about their ability to contribute, seek mentorship from experienced leaders, and be prepared to navigate the challenges of politics while focusing on learning and growth.