Re-thinking Africa’s Development Beyond Political Cycles

The President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama (L) shares a light moment with his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto on January 8, 2025 at the Black Star Square in Accra. PHOTO/PCS.
  • African countries’ current model of addressing national needs is fraught with inefficiencies and discontinuities, primarily driven by the cyclical nature of electoral politics.
  • To maintain relevance and adaptability, the framework would include a mechanism for periodic reviews every five years, allowing for adjustments based on progress and emerging challenges.
  • Rwanda’s Vision 2050 showcases the nation’s remarkable advancements, particularly in information and communication technology (ICT) and governance reforms.

The trajectory of Africa’s development remains a poignant concern for citizens, policymakers, development partners, and political leaders alike.

Africa stands at a critical juncture in its development journey. Despite its vast resources and youthful population, many African nations struggle to achieve sustainable development due to systemic failures rooted in the misalignment of governance priorities.

Across the continent, the pattern of addressing national needs has been stymied by the recurrent disruption of electoral cycles.

Political transitions, while a hallmark of democracy, have also become a bottleneck to sustained progress.

At the heart of this challenge lies the cyclical disruption caused by politics, where each administration prioritises its agenda over national needs, often disregarding the efforts of predecessors.

Incoming administrations often discard or radically alter the projects initiated by their predecessors, derailing continuity and wasting valuable resources.

This short-term focus has left essential development goals such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and food security perpetually underdeveloped while resources are wasted and progress stagnates.

In a recent co-authored policy brief, we emphasised the need to strengthen Africa’s governance model.

Drawing from the recommendations in that policy paper, this article offers perspectives that challenge the existing development approach in African countries.

Furthermore, I propose a solution for sustainable development in Africa: a politically neutral and collaborative framework that addresses national priorities over an extended period beyond the limitations of electoral cycles.

Institutionalising this proposed framework would enable African nations to not only mitigate the cycle of mismanagement but also create a foundation for sustainable development that aligns with the aspirations of their citizens and leverages the collective strength of governance structures.

The following sections explore the systemic issues underlying the current development cycle, present a detailed analysis of the proposed solution, and offer actionable recommendations for implementation.

A Systemic Stagnation of National Development

African nations have long been plagued by governance systems prioritising political expediency over long-term development.

African countries’ current model of addressing national needs is fraught with inefficiencies and discontinuities, primarily driven by the cyclical nature of electoral politics.

Each presidency brings its agenda, often shaped more by political expediency than by a commitment to long-term national priorities.

Political fragmentation is at the forefront of this issue, where short-term agenda dominates. Leaders prioritise highly visible, quick-impact projects that enhance their electoral appeal, often at the expense of foundational investments, undermining the continuity necessary for sustainable development.

Consequently, significant national initiatives are often abandoned or altered with each change in administration, resulting in wasted resources and stunted progress.

Moreover, institutional weaknesses exacerbate this problem. The separation of powers among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, while critical for democracy, often manifests as competition rather than collaboration.

Rivalries between government arms create bottlenecks in implementing national priorities, while citizens, the ultimate beneficiaries of development, are largely excluded from decision-making processes.

Citizens have limited opportunities to influence the national development agenda. While political manifestos may serve as a guiding framework, they rarely reflect the actual needs and aspirations of the populace. The resulting disconnect diminishes public trust and weakens accountability mechanisms.

Further, resource mismanagement also looms large as a barrier to progress. Corruption, political patronage, and inefficiency divert funds from essential projects, leaving critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure underfunded.

Additionally, the fixation on electoral cycles undermines strategic planning. Leaders prioritise initiatives with immediate political payoffs, ignoring the foundational needs that drive sustainable development.

They often abandon projects initiated by their predecessors, regardless of their merit, leading to wasted investments and the perpetuation of underdevelopment.

The absence of a shared, long-term vision impedes efforts to address pressing national challenges systematically.

Case for Collaborative Framework

To address these entrenched challenges, African nations can adopt a development model that decouples the execution of national needs from the politics of the day.

Establishing a “National Needs Framework (NNF)” presents a viable solution. This framework would establish a politically neutral, long-term approach to identifying, prioritising, and addressing critical national needs, ensuring continuity and progress irrespective of changes in political leadership.

The first step in establishing this framework involves a nationwide engagement to enable citizens to identify critical national needs collectively.

These priorities could encompass universal healthcare, quality education, food security, infrastructure development, climate change resilience, economic diversification, governance, and gender equality.

By engaging citizens directly, the framework would ensure that these needs reflect the aspirations and realities of the populace, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.

Once established, the NNF would be institutionalised through constitutional reforms, mandating collaboration among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.

A multi-stakeholder council, comprising representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international partners, would oversee its implementation.

This council would operate independently of political influence, ensuring accountability and transparency.

To maintain relevance and adaptability, the framework would include a mechanism for periodic reviews every five years, allowing for adjustments based on progress and emerging challenges.

Such reviews would ensure the framework remains dynamic and responsive to emerging challenges.

A central tenet of the NNF is its depoliticised nature. Governments of the day would be required to align their policies with the framework, ensuring that political agendas do not derail national priorities.

Political manifestos would serve as tools for bridging support, focusing on enhancing the implementation of the NNF rather than introducing competing priorities. Inclusivity is equally critical.

The success of the NNF hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders, including civil society, private sector leaders, academia, and development partners.

Fostering collaboration across sectors, the framework would leverage diverse perspectives and resources, ensuring a holistic approach to national development.

This alignment would prevent the abandonment of ongoing projects and foster a culture of collaboration rather than competition among political leaders.

Why Bother? Benefits of the Proposed Framework

Africa’s long-term development visions represent a profound commitment to socio-economic transformation across the continent.

Specific frameworks such as Rwanda’s Vision 2050, Ghana’s Vision 2020, Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020, South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plan, and Kenya’s Vision 2030 embody the NNF aspirations.

Each of these strategic blueprints articulates ambitious objectives aimed at eradicating poverty, promoting industrialisation, and fostering inclusive growth, reflecting a collective determination to uplift the continent’s socio-economic landscape.

For instance, Kenya’s Vision 2030 aspires to elevate the nation into a newly industrialised, middle-income economy by focusing on critical areas such as infrastructure development, governance enhancement, and the cultivation of human capital.

The country has made significant strides in infrastructure, exemplified by projects like the Standard Gauge Railway and the expansion of road networks, which are crucial for facilitating trade and connectivity.

However, persistent challenges such as political interference, entrenched corruption, and stark economic inequality pose significant barriers to achieving Kenya’s sustained progress and undermining the vision’s long-term viability.

Rwanda’s Vision 2050 showcases the nation’s remarkable advancements, particularly in information and communication technology (ICT) and governance reforms.

The country has emerged as a model for effective leadership and policy implementation in Africa.

Nonetheless, concerns remain regarding Rwanda’s reliance on foreign aid and the limited scope for political pluralism, which could jeopardise the sustainability of its achievements and the inclusivity of its growth trajectory.

Ghana’s Vision 2020 and its subsequent iterations have experienced fluctuating levels of implementation across different political regimes.

While the vision laid a foundation for economic growth, persistent governance bottlenecks and economic instability have hindered its full realisation, highlighting the need for consistent policy frameworks that transcend political transitions.

Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 and Ethiopia’s Growth and Transformation Plans have similarly encountered significant hurdles, including weak implementation, rampant corruption, and escalating insecurity.

These issues have stifled development efforts and raised questions about the efficacy of such ambitious plans in the absence of robust governance structures.

Furthermore, South Africa’s NDP 2030 grapples with high unemployment rates, deepening inequality, and an ongoing energy crisis, all threatening the realisation of its developmental goals.

Despite these challenges, the potential for transformative growth in Africa remains palpable. However, realising this potential is contingent upon transcending the limitations imposed by political cycles.

For these development frameworks to endure and thrive beyond the tenure of current regimes, they must be anchored in comprehensive constitutional reforms that promote stability and continuity.

This necessitates rethinking development as a long-term, apolitical commitment emphasising collaborative governance and institutional resilience.

Therefore, the potential impact of the proposed NNF is profound. First, it would ensure continuity in addressing national priorities, eliminating the disruptions caused by changes in political leadership.

This stability would attract long-term investments, both domestic and international, creating a more conducive environment for economic growth. Second, the framework would enhance accountability.

Establishing an independent oversight body would enhance NNF’s transparent assessments of progress, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively.

This transparency would also strengthen public trust, a critical factor in fostering societal cohesion and support for government initiatives.

Third, the framework would empower citizens by involving them in decision-making. This participatory approach would align development priorities with public needs and cultivate a sense of collective responsibility, motivating citizens to contribute to national progress actively.

Finally, the collaborative nature of the NNF would optimise resource allocation. By uniting stakeholders around common goals, the framework would reduce duplication of efforts and promote synergy, maximising the impact of investments and initiatives.

Overcoming Potential Challenges & Possible Recommendations

Implementing the NNF will undoubtedly face resistance and challenges. Political leaders may be reluctant to relinquish control over development agendas, fearing a loss of influence.

Overcoming this resistance requires robust advocacy, emphasising the long-term benefits of the framework for national stability and prosperity.

Operationalising the NNF also demands significant resources and institutional capacity. African nations must invest in capacity-building initiatives to equip stakeholders with the skills and knowledge to manage the framework effectively.

Additionally, safeguards must be established to prevent bureaucratic overreach, ensuring the framework remains dynamic and responsive to changing needs.

Several policy actions are recommended to overcome these challenges and ensure the successful implementation of the NNF.

First, constitutional reforms must be enacted to enshrine the NNF in national constitutions, making it a binding obligation for all political administrations. These reforms should include legal mechanisms to enforce collaboration among government arms and stakeholders.

Additionally, capacity-building initiatives are essential to strengthen the institutions responsible for managing the framework.

There will be a need to invest in training programs for government officials, civil society, and private sector representatives to enhance their roles within the NNF.

Moreover, citizen engagement must be a cornerstone of the framework. There should be extensive public consultations to ensure that identified national needs reflect the aspirations of all citizens.

Digital platforms could be utilised to ensure that identified priorities genuinely reflect the aspirations of all citizens. This inclusivity will enhance public trust and foster a sense of shared responsibility.

Further, innovative financing mechanisms must be developed to support the framework’s implementation. Public-private partnerships (PPPs), international grants, and fixed budget allocations for NNF projects can provide the necessary resources to sustain long-term initiatives.

Furthermore, robust monitoring and evaluation systems must be established. Establish clear performance metrics to track progress and publish annual reports detailing achievements, challenges, and next steps.

This transparency will foster accountability and build public trust. Finally, political buy-in is critical.

National dialogues should be convened to build consensus among political leaders, emphasising the collective benefits of a unified approach to national development.

Incentives, such as recognition programs for compliant administrations, can further encourage adherence to the framework.

Conclusion

Africa’s development challenges are deeply rooted in systemic governance failures prioritising political gains over national needs.

The recurring stagnation of national development in Africa is a direct consequence of the misalignment between political cycles and national priorities.

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The proposed National Needs Framework offers a possible transformative solution, decoupling development priorities from political cycles and fostering a collaborative, inclusive approach to governance.

Aligning stakeholders around common goals, ensuring continuity, and empowering citizens can enable African countries to customise NNF to break the cycle of stagnation and propel them toward sustainable development.

While the path to implementation is fraught with challenges, the rewards, which include economic growth, social cohesion, and improved quality of life, make it imperative that African leaders cannot afford to ignore.

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Dr. Ang’ana is a Leadership, Governance and Policy Consultant, and Advisor and CEO at Accent Leadership Group.

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