The Africa Political Outlook summit in Brussels presented the State of Governance in Africa 2026 Report, which paints a mixed picture of successes, electoral challenges and institutional reforms.
On March 26 and 27, more than 300 African and international decision-makers gathered in Brussels for the 2026 edition of the Africa Political Outlook. The State of Governance in Africa 2026 Report was unveiled, offering a critical and forward-looking analysis of the continent's political and institutional dynamics.
Viwanou Gnassounou, chairman of the steering committee and former deputy secretary-general of the OACPS, insists: “We believe there are positive trends in African governance and we believe they need to be highlighted and discussed. […] And elections are definitely part of that.” This year, fifteen major elections will test the credibility and inclusiveness of African electoral processes.
Mulambo Haimbe, Zambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized: "We need to change our habits and understand that partnerships are essential." For his part, Ismael Nabe, Guinea's Minister of Planning, International Cooperation, and Development, highlighted Guinea's progress: "The last three or four years have been very positive for us, thanks to discipline, good governance, and respect for the rule of law. We have developed our master plan for economic development for the next fifteen years."
The report identifies six key drivers for Africa: plurilateralism, critical minerals, the diaspora, faith, imagination, and youth. Their mobilization is presented as crucial for strengthening sovereignty, stimulating growth, and fostering inclusive prosperity.
As the continent faces internal and external pressures, the engagement of younger generations and the debate on governance illustrate an Africa in transition, ready to transform its challenges into opportunities.
