African democracy is facing increasing pressure as authoritarian leadership gains influence globally, billionaire philanthropist and governance advocate, Mo Ibrahim, has warned.
Ibrahim spoke following the release of a new report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which assesses governance trends across the continent.
The report identifies improvements in economic opportunities and human development over the past decade but highlights worsening conditions in security, human rights and citizens’ participation in governance.
According to the findings, 30 African countries, representing about half of the continent’s population, recorded better overall governance scores in 2025 than in 2016, largely due to economic progress. However, 23 countries experienced a decline, while one maintained its previous performance.
Ibrahim attributed the weakening of democratic standards partly to the growing acceptance of strongman leadership around the world. He argued that African leaders could be encouraged to exercise power without accountability when they observe similar leadership styles elsewhere.
He pointed to recent political developments in Tanzania and Uganda as examples of the challenges facing democracy in Africa. In Tanzania, security forces were accused of killing thousands of protesters, while Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine reportedly faced physical attacks and intimidation.
The foundation’s report identified Burkina Faso as the country with the sharpest decline in governance over the period reviewed. Nigeria, Sudan and Tunisia were also among the countries that recorded significant setbacks.
It further revealed that seven of the 10 countries with the biggest declines had experienced at least one military coup in the past decade.
Ibrahim also criticised the changing direction of international diplomacy, particularly what he described as the United States’ increasingly transactional approach under President Donald Trump. He warned that such policies could weaken international institutions and respect for the rule of law.
He expressed concern over Washington’s 2025 decision to end funding for the United States Agency for International Development, which had provided billions of dollars in assistance to African countries.
Although he acknowledged that the US had the right to determine its foreign aid policy, Ibrahim said the sudden withdrawal should have been communicated in advance.
He noted that African countries had demonstrated some resilience despite the funding cuts, adding that the situation should encourage governments to reduce dependence on foreign assistance and strengthen partnerships with countries willing to support the continent, including China, India and European nations.
Despite the challenges, Ibrahim identified Africa’s youthful population as a major source of hope for the future.
He noted that about 60 per cent of Africans are below the age of 25, with projections indicating that one in every three young people worldwide will be African by 2050.
According to him, the younger generation is better informed and educated than previous generations, although he admitted that his generation had failed to take full advantage of many opportunities available to the continent.
