Financing for Inclusive Growth: African-Led Solutions for Sustainable Democracy

One of the most urgent challenges facing the continent right now is how to finance democracy and what is at risk. Money may, to some extent, determine the viability and integrity of the continent's democracy just as much as the goals of its citizens.  Goals other than those of Africa are likely to take precedence in an externally financed democracy.  Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a self-sustaining, Africa-led approach to finance democracy.

This imperative lay at the heart of conversations during the recent G20 South Africa 2025 Sideline Event, “Unlocking Democracy with Youth-Centred Financing Models & Innovation”. This event saw Futurelect part of a thought-provoking, collaborative lineup that included Governance Consortia partners at African Leadership Academy, AL for Governance Network, LEAP Africa, Africa Career Networks, Center for a Re-imagined Africa, and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Sub-Saharan Africa.

From Left to Right: Rinsola Abiola, Mope Kati, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster and Siyaduma Biniza

The keynote speaker, Ambassador Dorcas Makgato, a retired Ambassador of Botswana to Australia, aptly addressed this topic. The question at hand is whether democracy is viewed as a cost, something we must pay for but can do without, or as an investment that can improve our continent's future. Makgato mentioned the potential outcomes for some presidential candidates on this continent, stating that since they must take out loans to fund their campaigns, they end up in debt to a third-party financier who might not have our best interests at heart.  The recent cutback on United States expenditures on democracy on the continent has been demonstrated to have one bright side: Africans can finance our own democracy.

Former Botswana Ambassador to Australia Dorcas Makgato

Makgato called upon Africans to muster the same level of resources to support democracy; freedom can't, according to her, “be borrowed”, but rather it should be developed because true freedom is something that one develops within oneself. 

Throughout this conference, there was one emphasis that echoed time and again: democracy must live up to and serve Africa’s societies. A notable highlight was the Lightning Talks presentation by Shaunei Gerber, Head of Marketing and Communication at Futurelect, who illustrated how funding for democracy should include technology investments in civic education. Futurelect’s Civic Education Programme is a testament to how African-led innovation can make a real difference in a developing democracy. Launched in October 2023, the programme includes short, expert-led video courses on democracy, elections, and educating ordinary citizens about the workings of government. Available through an app and the web, this programme also extends beyond digital learning by providing teachers and community leaders with the necessary tools to teach civic education both online and offline. 

Futurelect Head of Marketing and Communications, Shaunei Gerber, leading a youth breakout session

Futurelect's remarkable growth, with over 180,000 app downloads and more than 3 million young people interacting with the programme on social media and other traditional media outlets, demonstrates how well-targeted funding, technology, and education can work together. Gerber's presentation underscored a key point made throughout the event: for democracy to truly thrive in Africa, it must be well-funded and accessible to all. 

Futurelect Regional Head of Programmes: Southern Africa, Wellington Radu

Wellington Radu, the Dialogue moderator and Regional Head of Programmes: Southern Africa at Futurelect, underscored the importance of funding not only for elections but also for civic education activities. Democracy support, said Radu, should take root within society on a long-term basis rather than being project by project. Only with this kind of investment can a strong democratic culture be established on the continent that is informed by what is to be transmitted to future generations. 

This G20 side event set a clear tone: for Africa to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth, it is crucial to reclaim control over the financing of democracy on the continent. Africa can leverage its strengths, including its philosophy and innovative nature, to establish democracies that reflect Africa’s interests rather than those of its creditors. Financing democracy focuses more on regaining control than simply providing funds, as it is essential for Africans to define their own future.