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Africa Governance Institute
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Programs that change what governance looks like in Africa.

Four flagship initiatives spanning youth empowerment, citizen voice, democratic accountability, and continental architecture, each partnered with the institutions, governments, and grassroots organisations driving real reform.

04Active flagship programs
12Countries reached
500+Direct beneficiaries
Showing 4 of 4
1
Flagship · Active
YouthEntrepreneurshipCapacity
Sierra Leone · 2024–2025

Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) 2024–2025 · Sierra Leone

AGI envisions a prosperous and stable Africa led by empowered and engaged youth. Recognising the immense potential of Sierra Leone's young population, AGI is launching a comprehensive young entrepreneurship program designed to address unemployment, limited access to vocational training, and the need for sustainable economic development, empowering 500 young Sierra Leoneans, with a focus on women.

Funded by BADEA · Implemented by AGI
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Objectives
  • Skill developmentCommunication, negotiation, problem-solving and digital literacy.
  • Mentorship & networkingConnecting young entrepreneurs with established business leaders.
  • Entrepreneurial trainingTheory and practice in business plan development, finance, marketing and leadership.
  • Access to financeFeasibility report for microfinance, grants and other funding sources.
  • Ecosystem buildingCollaborate with stakeholders on policy advocacy and infrastructure.
Expected Outcomes
  • Job creationA significant cohort of young entrepreneurs actively participating in the economy.
  • Economic growthIncreased innovation and diversification in the local economy.
  • Community developmentImproved socio-economic conditions and empowered youth driving local impact.
  • Leadership pipelineA generation of leaders contributing to good governance in Sierra Leone.
2
Active
Civil SocietyAccountabilityPublic Finance
Pan-African · Multi-year

Enhancing Citizens' Voice and Accountability in Africa Strengthening civil society voice and public-service accountability

The project seeks to strengthen the engagement of non-state actors, civil society and grassroots organisations, to promote voice, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of public services. AGI develops knowledge and research on demand-side governance and delivers targeted training to CSOs, translating findings into practical guidance tools available through a strengthened IT platform.

Funded by African Development Bank (AfDB)
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Focus Areas
  • Public procurementTransparent processes and citizen monitoring of public contracts.
  • Domestic revenue mobilisationStrengthening tax accountability and fiscal citizenship.
  • Social responsibilityConstituency engagement and elected-official accountability.
  • New aid modalitiesTracking and evaluating evolving donor frameworks.
  • Budgetary processesCitizen participation in budget formulation and oversight.
Approach
  • Demand-side knowledgeResearch on governance from the citizen perspective.
  • CSO capacity buildingTraining to enable effective advocacy and engagement.
  • Practical guidanceUser-friendly tools translated from research findings.
  • Open IT platformStrengthened infrastructure to host and disseminate materials.
3
Flagship
DemocracyElectionsRule of Law
Continental · Long-term

Promoting Democratic Accountability in Africa A framework for transparent institutions and responsive states

This program advances democratic accountability across the continent, supporting the integrity of electoral processes, the independence of oversight bodies, and the responsiveness of state institutions to their citizens. Through high-level dialogues, comparative research, and tailored technical assistance, AGI works alongside African states and civil society to translate the principles of the African Charter into practice.

In partnership with UNDP & AU/DPA
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Pillars of Work
  • Electoral integrityComparative research on election management bodies and credible processes.
  • Oversight institutionsStrengthening parliaments, audit institutions, and anti-corruption bodies.
  • Rule of lawJudicial independence and access to justice for all citizens.
  • Civic spaceDefending freedoms of association, expression, and assembly.
Methods
  • Dakar High-Level DialogueTwo rounds co-hosted on Democracy & Governance trends (DG Trends).
  • Policy briefsComparative analysis published in English, French and Portuguese.
  • Technical assistanceOn-demand support to AU organs and member states.
  • Peer exchangeCross-country learning between reform-minded officials and CSOs.
4
Active
African UnionArchitectureSub-regional
African Union · Addis Ababa & Dakar

African Governance Architecture Operationalising the African Union's governance platform

AGI supports the operationalisation of the African Governance Architecture (AGA), the platform for dialogue between AU organs and Regional Economic Communities mandated to promote good governance, democracy, and human rights on the continent. We provide technical assistance to AU/DPA, contribute to the drafting of charters and frameworks, and convene high-level civil servants from across Francophone, Anglophone, and Lusophone Africa.

In partnership with AU Department of Political Affairs & UNDP
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Contributions to AGA
  • African Charter on DecentralizationDrafting support and supporting research for the AU charter.
  • Public administration reformsFrameworks for post-conflict reform contexts.
  • African Charter on Values & PrinciplesImplementation guidance for public service and administration.
  • Agenda 2063Two consultations organised on the AU draft discussion paper.
Capacity Development
  • 60 senior civil servantsTrained from Francophone and Lusophone African countries.
  • 350 expert profilesMapped in the AGI resource centre, diaspora included.
  • Regional conveningsBringing together governments, RECs, and AU organs.
  • Knowledge platformsDigital infrastructure to disseminate frameworks across the continent.

Have a program proposal, or want to partner with AGI?

We work with governments, donors, civil society, and academic partners across Africa and beyond. Reach out, we'd love to hear what you're building.

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