At TrustAfrica, we were pleased to co-organise the Summit on the State of Democracy in Africa, held on 22 May 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Nigeria. His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered a keynote address highlighting that, the solution to democracy is more democracy.
Amongst the key dignitaries who attended the Summit were GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented at the ceremony by vice President Kashim Shettima. Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, Ford Foundation President, Darren Walker, Co-Founder of Afrobarometer, Professor E. Gyimah Boadi, Board of Directors Yar’Adua Foundation, Abubakar B. Mahmoud, Director of MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, Director General at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Jacqueline Farris and Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye Regional Director Ford Foundation West Africa.
The Deputy Secretary- General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed engaged with the participants through a powerful video recorded message.
The Summit aimed to foster a dialogue that not only addresses the challenges of the African continent but underscores the importance of continental solutions, especially amidst increasing external influences. During the summit, Dr Ebrima Sall gave a powerful speech on the state of Democracy in our continent.
TrustAfrica’s Program’s Director Briggs Bomba moderated a panel discussion on Voices of Tomorrow, harnessing voices of Emmanuel Zulu of Alliance for Accountability Advocates, Zambia, Nalenhle Moyo Programs Lead at ArtsForChange, Magamba Network, Aliou Sane Coordinator of the Y’en a Marre Movement and Solape Sonuga Inclusion Policy at ElectHER.
The Summit on the State of Democracy led to key takeaways on the need to risk-proof African democracy, investing in democracy and strengthening democratic leadership. The Director of Ford Foundation West Africa, Dr. Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye gave a very inspiring closing remark that marked the end of this insightful Summit.
