Insights from the Charter Project Africa National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In a bid to put the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance(ACDEG) at the centre of consolidating good governance and democracy in Africa, the African Governance Architecture (AGA) the Charter Project Africa together with Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) convened it’s third leg of the Southern Africa National Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on the 5th and 6th of July 2023.
Since its inception in 2021, the Charter Project Africa has been vital in supporting civil society-led initiatives to promote the ACDEG. With a focus on utilising civic tech tools and encouraging youth and women participation, the project has been instrumental in fostering greater engagement between local civil society and the African Governance Architecture. Through grants awarded to various organisations, efforts have been made to advocate for the ratification and domestication of the ACDEG and promote African Union shared values.
Following successful dialogues held in Botswana and Zambia, this dialogue marked a pivotal moment in advancing ACDEG in collaboration with notable democracy institutions in Tanzania as well as civil society Charter Project Africa grant recipients. The diverse participants had an opportunity to unpack the essence of the ACDEG and its relevance to Tanzania, their respective projects, and democratic governance initiatives.
Catherine Kimambo, Founder & Creative Director of African Child Projects, highlighted the importance of understanding the ACDEG in the context of projects like Ongea Demokrasia, which aims to sensitise Tanzanian citizens on democratic culture and digital democracy. This emphasis on education and awareness underscores the importance of informed citizenry in shaping the democratic landscape of Africa.
Moreover, the Dialogue provided a platform for in-depth discussions on democratic trends, with insights presented by Miss Josephine Sanny of Afrobarometer. By analysing survey findings and incorporating lived experiences, participants reflected Tanzanian society’s diverse perspectives. This participatory approach resonates with the principles of democracy, emphasising the importance of inclusive decision-making and of course, open dialogue.
Notably the session on “Developing Effective Advocacy and Engagement Strategies for Democratic Governance,” facilitated by Miss Giulia Sostero from The European Association for Local Democracy encapsulated fundamental practical approaches for CSOs in amplifying the voices of their constituencies. The session underscored the significance of participatory democracy as a tool for fostering citizen engagement and accountability.
By empowering citizens to participate actively in political decisions and policies, participatory democracy paves the way for inclusive governance structures that address the needs of all stakeholders.
In her closing remarks, Nompumelelo Sibalukhulu, DWF Programme Manager, emphasised the importance of cultivating open digital civic spaces. “These spaces facilitate dialogue and exchange of ideas and empower citizens to actively participate in shaping the future of Tanzania and the broader African continent. By harnessing the power of digital technology and promoting democratic values, initiatives like the Charter Project Africa are instrumental in driving positive change and advancing thriving, collaborative and technologically apt democracies in our continent.”
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About the Charter Project Africa
The Charter Project Africa is a pan-African project that focuses on the commitments contained in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) – the African Union’s principal policy document for advancing democratic governance in African Union member states. The project promotes using civic technology to amplify citizens’ voices in African Union member states; Botswana Benin, Cabo Verde, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia – as well as at regional and continental level. DWF is implementing the Charter Project Africa in Southern Africa, targeting Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. The consortium comprises AfricTivistes, Code for Africa (CfA), Gorée Institute, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) and European Partnership for Democracy (EPD). The project is made possible with the financial support of the European Union.
