The Global Diplomatic Dialogue on ‘The Voice and Value of Democracy in Africa including Climate Change Governance Simulation’

The dialogue on ‘The Voice and Value of Democracy in Africa’ was held at Riara University in Nairobi on November 19, 2024. The event, co-organized by The Youth Café in collaboration with Riara University, brought together diverse stakeholders, including students, government leaders, representatives from civic society organizations, digital innovators, scholars, experts and activists. The event was both physical and streamed live for virtual participants. The total number of participants was 78. Notably, 59% of the participants were aged 20-30 years while 58% were female, highlighting the emphasis on women and youth inclusivity in the dialogue.

The event aimed at deepening the understanding of the significance of democracy in modern society, enhancing civic participation and examining the role of digital technology in democracy and climate change governance. Organized under the Global Democracy Coalition campaign, this dialogue was a powerful platform for discussing the role of democracy and digital tools in addressing Africa’s pressing governance challenges.

The specific objectives included;

• Create a platform for networking between students (youth) and practitioners and by so doing, avail opportunities for collaborative research methods in various fields

• Strengthen capacities for negotiation, civic engagement and participation in democratic processes and climate change governance

• Reflect on the role of digital technologies in promoting transparency and engagement while addressing associated risks

• Empower youth and other stakeholders in resolving contemporary governance challenges in diverse fields including climate governance

In his opening remarks, Prof. Francis Onditi, Dean of the School of International Relations & Diplomacy at Riara University, emphasized the vital role of young people in leading the dialogue on democracy, civil participation, climate change governance, and digital innovation. He highlighted Africa's progress on the Fragility State Index, noting improvements in civil participation but challenges with the rule of law and representation. Prof. Onditi stressed the importance of freedoms such as expression, religion, and movement in assessing democracy, while pointing out weaknesses in legislative and judicial institutions, corruption, and geopolitical tensions. He concluded by stressing the ongoing transformation in Africa, the significant role of youth, particularly through social media, in shaping democracy, and the need for strong institutions and alternative forms of representation to ensure sustainable progress.

Willice Onyango, the Executive Director, The Youth Cafe, in his remarks, pointed out the Youth Café’s mission is empowering youth through advocacy, research and innovation. He also mentioned that the organization is actively involved in civic participation, democracy and governance of which most of the activities are youth-led. He recommended that the dialogue of the day should proceed to the legislative process.

In her welcoming speech, Mary Yvonne, Board Member of The Youth Café, emphasized the critical role of democracy as the pillar for innovation and growth in Africa, noting the continent's young population as a driving force. She highlighted the Gen-Z protests in Kenya as a powerful example of how youth are using social media to organize, amplify their voices, and hold leaders accountable, showcasing the potential of civic participation and digital innovation in reshaping governance.

Mary also addressed the intersection of democracy and climate change, pointing out that nine of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries are in sub-Saharan Africa, where the effects of climate change—such as droughts, floods, and resource conflicts—strain governance and heighten instability. She stressed that climate justice is deeply linked to democratic governance, with marginalized groups like women and youth being underrepresented in decision-making processes.

Mary emphasized that digital technology can help address these inequalities by enabling youth to demand accountability, mobilize for change, and access critical information, citing the M-farm app as an example of how digital platforms are supporting farmers. However, she cautioned that the digital divide, with only 30% of Africa’s population having internet access, poses a significant challenge, and that digital tools, while promoting transparency, can also facilitate the spread of disinformation. In her final remarks, Mary called for climate change governance to address systemic inequalities and for the integration of climate justice into democratic processes to ensure equitable and inclusive policies. She urged participants to reflect on their roles in promoting a democracy that is inclusive, resilient, and transformative, delivering equity and transparency for future generations.

In her message of goodwill, Professor Wanja Tenambergen, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs at Riara University, welcomed all participants to Riara University and thanked them for taking the time to engage in the dialogue. She further acknowledged that the dialogue has come in such a time when civic participation has become a key aspect in our society. 

In his keynote address, Hon. Kiraitu Murungi, Chairman of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD)-Kenya, thanked Riara University, The Youth Café, and the Global Democracy Coalition for organizing the dialogue, highlighting CMD's role in strengthening political parties and promoting multiparty democracy through platforms like ‘Gumzo Mtaani.’ Reflecting on Kenya’s democratic journey, he discussed both the progress and challenges, criticizing the “imperial presidency” that concentrates power beyond constitutional limits, stifling democracy and other institutions. Hon. Kiraitu emphasized that democracy goes beyond elections, urging continuous public participation and vigilance to cleanse the system of flaws that undermine its legitimacy. He pointed out the pivotal role of youth in driving social change, citing historical examples like the 1848 European revolutions and African liberation struggles, and called on the younger generation to embrace activism and innovation to democratize governance.

On digital innovation, Hon. Kiraitu acknowledged the power of social media in enhancing democracy, referencing the Gen-Z protests as an example of how digital platforms mobilize public participation. He noted both the positive aspects of digital tools—such as simplifying voter registration and mobilizing voters—and the negative aspects, including online propaganda, hatred, and manipulation of electronic data that can harm democratic processes. Regarding climate governance, Hon. Kiraitu discussed Africa's goal of a carbon-free continent by 2050, praising Kenya’s transition to renewable energy but noting that rural areas still rely heavily on firewood and charcoal. He called for a phased approach to carbon neutrality, considering the challenges of poverty, high unemployment, and external debts, and emphasized the need to balance economic development with climate change adaptation.

In the Q&A session, Hon. Kiraitu addressed concerns on inclusivity in policy-making, responding to Evelyn, a representative of young scientists, by acknowledging the lack of youth representation in climate and biotechnology discussions and advocating for structural reforms to include more young voices. He also highlighted the need for localized climate change dialogues to engage rural communities, who often lack the language to discuss climate issues. On the debate about Africa’s democratic models, Hon. Kiraitu asserted that while democracy’s universal values are relevant, the continent must tackle the poor quality of leadership elected to democratic institutions to ensure the success of its democratic systems.

Daniel Iberi from Afrobarometer in his presentation on the intersection of climate change, democracy, and governance highlighted key findings from surveys conducted across 39 African countries between 2021 and 2023. The surveys revealed strong public support for democracy, with 80% of citizens expressing a preference for democratic governance. However, concerns were raised regarding the fairness of elections, with 66% reporting fair elections in 2011, compared to only 59% in 2023. In Kenya, for example, the absence of a fully functioning Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has undermined democratic processes.

On the issue of climate change, the survey found that more women than men are vulnerable, with 72% of citizens reporting that climate change has worsened their lives. Only 28% believed it had no significant effects. Mr. Iberi emphasized that transparent governance and active democratic engagement are crucial to addressing the climate crisis, with citizens demanding stronger leadership and accountability from governments. Key takeaways from his presentation included the urgent need for climate action, the importance of good governance and public sector integrity, and the role of democracy in ensuring effective solutions to the climate crisis.

The panel discussion on "Women, Youth, and Civil Societies in Strengthening Democratic Governance and Climate Justice in Africa" focused on the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes and the challenges women and youth face in governance. Christabel Barasa highlighted Kenya's improved gender representation, with women making up 49.2% of leadership roles, but emphasized the need for further awareness and capacity building. Victor Kirui discussed the positive impact of devolution in enhancing inclusivity, particularly for women, while acknowledging cultural and structural barriers. Kate Kodiaga traced the evolution of democracy, advocating for greater youth and women’s participation through education, policy reforms, and economic empowerment. Austine Gerald Onyango stressed the need for mentorship for youth and discussed the challenges CSOs face, such as restricted collaboration with governments and public skepticism. The discussion also highlighted how CSOs can amplify civic activism through social media, policy advocacy, and alliances with the media to protect freedoms.

The lightning talks on "Imperatives on the State of Democratic Governance in Africa" brought together scholars, experts, and activists to address critical issues in governance, climate justice, and civic engagement. Caroline Gaita from Mzalendo Trust emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, noting that the challenge lies in the quality of leadership rather than democracy itself. Edwin Otieno of the Environment Institute of Kenya called for a focus on youth potential in governance, leveraging their access to technology and knowledge. Michael Sanya from the Oslo Centre shared the success of youth assemblies in Kenya, which empower young people to engage in policy cycles and governance. Mohammed Bashir highlighted barriers such as social norms, economic inequality, and the high cost of campaigns that exclude youth and women from politics. Prof. Ibrahim Bangura stressed the need to strengthen fragile institutions and leverage technology as a tool for both advocacy and civic participation. Across all discussions, the role of technology, structured engagement, and inclusive platforms was underscored as vital for democratic progress.

A debate on the motion "The current framework on climate change is ineffective and needs a complete overhaul" was hosted by postgraduate students from Riara University. Moderated by MA students in Environmental Politics and Diplomacy, Ismail Hersi and Faith Anyonje, the session offered contrasting perspectives on the state of global climate frameworks and the path forward.

The proposers argued that existing frameworks, such as the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement, have proven inadequate due to their fragmented nature. They highlighted that financial burdens are already overwhelming regions like the EU and USA, while major players like China resist being classified as "developed countries" to avoid additional obligations. Furthermore, they cautioned that upcoming negotiations like COP29 could be ineffective if key participants like the USA and China are absent, even as China makes significant progress, such as a 40% increase in renewable energy output in 2023.

On the other hand, the opposers contended that the frameworks may have shortcomings, but they remain crucial for maintaining commitments that continue to drive climate action. They emphasized the need to strengthen existing mechanisms rather than replace them, attributing limited success to weak enforcement and accountability, particularly in Africa. They also argued that sovereignty concerns discourage countries from reporting non-compliance, a challenge that could be addressed with improved monitoring and regulatory systems.

The debate concluded with a consensus on the importance of inclusive and cooperative approaches to tackling climate change. While the absence of dominant players may provide smaller states an opportunity to be heard, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) must take an active role in negotiations. Moreover, the technological and financial capacities of developed nations remain vital, making international collaboration indispensable for effective climate mitigation.

The plenary discussion emphasized the transformative role of digital innovation in governance and climate action, highlighting its potential to enhance transparency, accountability, and participation. Digital tools were recognized as essential for addressing environmental challenges, such as measuring the effectiveness of climate agreements and countering misinformation. However, concerns over data protection, cybersecurity, and inadequate policies were prominent. While digital platforms, especially social media, empower youth voices, barriers like internet access, affordability, and message customization limit broader participation. Marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) and victims of electoral-related gender-based violence (GBV), face exclusion and online harassment, underscoring the need for inclusive access, robust protections, and clear reporting mechanisms. The session called for secure and equitable digital engagement to maximize its potential for governance and climate solutions.

The third panel discussion on evidence-based public policy in Africa explored the critical role of think tanks in bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice. Moderated by Prof. Abu Bah, the discussion featured insights from a distinguished panel, including Dr. Sebastian Paalo of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Ibrahim Bangura Associate Professor in the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and Dr. Benson Musila. Experts emphasized the existing disconnect, where research findings often fail to translate into actionable policies or meaningful on-the-ground impact. Think tanks were challenged to enhance their relevance by aligning research with policy priorities, fostering stronger collaborations with governments, and ensuring that insights are accessible and applicable to real-world challenges. This alignment is crucial for addressing Africa's complex socio-economic and governance issues through informed, impactful policymaking.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Implement access to education, economic empowerment initiatives, policy reforms, and mentorship programs to eliminate structural barriers hindering women and youth from participating in democracy and governance.

• Encourage governments and civil society leaders to balance economic development with climate change mitigation by utilizing indigenous resources to address financial challenges sustainably.

• Expand non-political avenues for civic participation and establish mentorship programs to guide and empower emerging leaders in governance.

• Address climate change through comprehensive, multisectoral approaches to ensure inclusive and effective solutions.

• Use COP meetings as platforms to advocate for localized, practical climate solutions and establish a regional African body to strengthen negotiations and collective action.

• Leverage digital tools to protect democratic gains and demand greater accountability from government institutions.

• Empower youth to utilize social media as a powerful tool for advocating democracy, promoting civic engagement, and amplifying public participation.

• Invest in data development, evidence-based research, and infrastructure such as data centers to inform and strengthen policymaking processes.