Deliberative Democracy in Africa: DemocracyNext Paper Launch Event
We invite you to delve into new research exploring how citizens’ assemblies can drive meaningful democratic governance across Africa.
This webinar marks the launch of our new DemocracyNext paper, “Deliberative democracy in Africa: Learning from past citizens' assemblies and guidance for future action" by Rorisang Lekalake and Stephen Buchanan-Clarke.
About the research
In this DemocracyNext paper, we explore the adaptation of citizens' assemblies to Africa's diverse political and cultural landscapes, drawing on case studies from Mali, Malawi, The Gambia, and South Africa. Grounded in Africa's rich traditions of collective decision-making, the research offers both theoretical frameworks and practical strategies for democratic innovation practitioners, policymakers, funders, and civil society organisations.
Co-authored by researchers Rorisang Lekaleke and Stephen Buchanan-Clarke, the study reveals promising possibilities, from participant empowerment to meaningful institutional engagement. It honestly addresses persistent challenges around legal frameworks, resource constraints, and the path from experimentation to institutionalisation.
Rather than proposing one-size-fits-all solutions, the authors identify context-sensitive approaches that honour local democratic traditions while addressing contemporary governance needs.
Speakers:
Rorisang Lekaleke, Co-Author, DemocracyNext Researcher, African Citizens' Assemblies
Stephen Buchanan-Clarke, Co-Author, DemocracyNext Researcher, African Citizens' Assemblies
Eveline Rodrigues, Policy Expert, i4Policy, Germany
Kira Alberts, Research Coordinator, Centre for Research on Democracy, South Africa
Satang Dumbaya, Assembly Facilitator, The Gambia
Moderated by:
James MacDonald-Nelson, Cities Programme Lead DemocracyNext
This event is for:
Practitioners and organisations working on citizens’ assemblies and participatory governance in African contexts
Funders and philanthropists supporting democratic innovation in African contexts
Researchers and students of democracy, governance, and public participation
Anyone interested in how deliberative democracy looks beyond Europe and North America