African Elections Tracking and Analysis

This project seeks to track, analyze, and report on elections across Africa, many of which shape the continent’s trajectory in global politics in the coming decades.

Across Africa, elections are too often viewed as definitive moments in time, disconnected from a country's ongoing debates. With major elections across the continent in 2026 and 2027, the CSIS Africa Program convenes private discussions with African leaders from the political and civil society spaces and publishes original research in partnership with those who are shaping the dialogue before, during, and after elections.

Elections have the opportunity to expand and respond to citizen engagement. Yet, they have often been moments when power is entrenched, and participation is limited. As critical arenas of political legitimacy, understanding how elections are representative of a country’s politics is imperative to supporting meaningful engagement between citizens and their political representatives. As we explore the intersection of people, power, and politics in Africa, these discussions take a long view of African countries’ governance and political participation to understand the issues and debates that are featured during the election cycle.

This project is made possible by general support to CSIS.

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Can Gen Z Protests Reshape Governance in Africa?

Across Africa, Gen Z–led protests are redefining political engagement. But can this new wave of activism move beyond disruption to deliver lasting institutional change?

Commentary by Khasai Makhulo and Oge Onubogu — April 10, 2026

False Choices: Balancing Democracy and Development in U.S. Africa Policy

The shift in U.S. foreign policy to prioritize commercial diplomacy over democracy support presents a false dichotomy. As African partners adjust to the U.S. retreat as an advocate for democracy, this approach risks long-term consequences for U.S.-Africa relations.

Commentary by Oge Onubogu and Khasai Makhulo — October 21, 2025

Africa’s Complicated Democratic Landscape

Africa’s upcoming year of elections signals both great promise and potential peril. Despite its growing population’s increasing demands for responsive governance, economic opportunity, and equitable treatment, many of their aspirations remain unmet.

Report by Cameron Hudson, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Khasai Makhulo, and Darrel Loyd — June 17, 2025

A Shift in Power: Botswana’s Historic Election

The CSIS Africa Program will host a panel discussion featuring Kagiso Molathwa and Thapelo Ndlovu to explore the drivers behind Botswana’s recent political shift and its implications for the region.

Event — November 14, 2024

Into Africa

From a Jail Cell to the Presidential Palace

Hawa Ba, Director of Core Partners in Open Society Foundations, joins Mvemba to share her impressions from Senegal's tumultuous election.

Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — April 18, 2024

Photo: CSIS
Into Africa

Assessing Tinubu’s First 150 Days in Office

Fyneface Dumnamene joins to assess President Bola Tinubu's first 150 days in office and the economic challenges facing the administration.

Podcast Episode by Mvemba Phezo Dizolele — September 7, 2023

Photo: CSIS