ICAD 2025: Africa Charts Path to Democratic Renaissance

By: Julian Osamoto

Abuja is set to host over one thousand leaders, diplomats, youth voices, and governance experts as the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy ICAD 2025, kicks off Tuesday July 22nd to Wednesday 23rd 2025.

The two-day event, holding in Abuja, will serve as a platform to share ideas and discuss homegrown solutions on Africa’s democratic future.

At a pre-conference briefing held on Friday in Abuja, Convener of the conference, Chris Iyama, described ICAD 2025 as a “continental moment” that would spark a renaissance in democratic thought and practice across the continent.

“This is more than an event, it’s a call to rethink democracy for Africa, by Africans. We are standing at the threshold of a democratic rebirth,” Iyama said.

The Conference with the theme “Afro-Democracy: Building a Governance System that Works in Africa, for Africans,” is expected to attract speakers such as Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, and prominent Pan-Africanist, Professor Patrick Lumumba to deliberate on some of these issues

 

According to Iyama, ICAD 2025 is not about copying Western political models, but about crafting solutions that reflect Africa’s values and local challenges. “Africa is not a charity case. It is a powerhouse of ideas and people. We must take charge of our political and financial destiny,” he said.

He noted that key issues to be addressed at the conference include:

• Restoring trust in public institutions
• Electoral reforms and accountability
• Youth and women’s participation in politics
• Indigenous African governance systems
• Financial independence of civil society groups
• Disinformation and its threat to democracy

Iyama also questioned the continent’s overreliance on foreign aid. “With the billions leaving Africa, why should we rely on donors to fund our future?” he asked.

A Declaration for the Future

The conference will close with a declaration and roadmap, a document aimed at guiding democratic reforms and civic engagement across Africa.

“We are here to shape a future that reflects our identity. Our ancestors paved the way, and we owe it to the next generation to finish the journey,” Iyama concluded.

He added that ICAD 2025, which is organised by Equity international initiative and CYPA Africa, promises to be a defining moment for Africa’s democratic evolution.