On March 7, 2025, the Africa Political Parties Initiative (APPI) was officially launched by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra, Ghana.
This significant event, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, attracted a diverse group of political leaders and stakeholders from across the African continent.
The initiative, designed to advance democratic values and strengthen political systems, sets the stage for the much-anticipated African Political Parties Summit scheduled for July 2025.
In his keynote speech, President Mahama highlighted the importance of the APPI as a platform to reinforce Ghana’s commitment to a unified and prosperous Africa.
He expressed his hope that the initiative would provide a space for political parties to engage in meaningful dialogue, transcending party lines to address the continent’s shared challenges.
He emphasized that Africa’s future success depends on collective efforts, where political parties prioritize national progress over partisan interests.
The former Ghanaian president commended the vision of the Africa Governance Centre for creating a space where cross-party engagement and capacity-building could thrive.
Mahama stressed that the APPI’s focus on non-ideological dialogue is particularly timely, given the increasing uncertainties the world faces, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, and technological disruptions.
He underlined that the APPI’s work would help foster an environment of cooperation, rather than division, which is crucial to tackling Africa’s developmental challenges.
In support of the initiative, Mahama urged political parties across the continent to reject the divisive politics of misinformation and polarization.
He stated that the true duty of political leaders is to the nation’s advancement, advocating for a more cooperative approach to governance.
His comments echoed a broader call for greater political maturity and mutual respect between parties to achieve sustainable development.
During the event, the Chair of the Advisory Board of the Africa Governance Centre also shared insights into the initiative’s long-term goals.
He noted the urgent need for a united Africa to confront pressing issues like the marginalization of youth and women, as well as the environmental challenges posed by climate change.
He suggested that through cooperation, Africa could offer innovative solutions to global problems, moving beyond the current political and economic stagnation.
Ms. Benedicta Lasi, Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Africa Governance Centre, elaborated on the Centre’s ongoing work and its role in advancing political leadership across the continent.
She emphasized the importance of capacity building, research, advocacy, and public engagement in creating more effective and transparent governance systems.
The Centre’s initiatives, including leadership development programs and policy research, are designed to build the foundation for stronger democratic institutions in Africa.
Although unable to attend in person, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, addressed the gathering virtually.
He celebrated the continent’s progress in democratic elections, pointing to the record number of elections held in 2024 and the peaceful transitions of power across several countries.
Adeoye encouraged continued support for the APPI to help consolidate these gains and further enhance Africa’s democratic practices.
In closing, H.E. Edite Ten Jua, the Executive Secretary of the upcoming African Political Parties Summit, expressed gratitude for the support of the event’s participants, particularly President Mahama and other high-ranking officials.
She reiterated the importance of continued cooperation among political parties to ensure Africa’s development and stability.
Ten Jua invited all political stakeholders to participate in the African Political Parties Summit in July 2025, which will bring together African and Caribbean political parties to discuss strategies for good governance, economic growth, and political transformation.
The Africa Governance Centre, the driving force behind the APPI, is a think tank committed to strengthening governance systems in Africa.
The APPI is one of the Centre’s flagship programs, designed to promote democratic leadership, political cooperation, and sustainable development.
The initiative also includes various activities such as the Youth in Politics Forum, the Women Political Leadership Summit, and the Diaspora Political Parties Exchange, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and collaborative political environment across the continent.
