Women and youth sidelined by costly political systems in Africa – OSF President

The President of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), Binaifer Nowrojee, has warned that the soaring cost of politics across Africa is systematically pushing women, young people, and citizens without wealthy backers out of political leadership.

Speaking at the opening of the 'Convening on Financialization of Politics in Africa' in Accra on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, Nowrojee said the increasing financial demands of contesting elections are making democratic participation less inclusive and limiting opportunities for ordinary citizens to seek public office.

Deputy Finance Minister calls for political financing reforms to protect Africa's democracy

According to her, evidence from countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe shows that election campaigns have become increasingly expensive, giving an advantage to wealthy individuals and those with access to powerful financial networks.

"Too often, women, young people, rural communities, and citizens without powerful financial networks are pushed to the margins. Democracy becomes less inclusive, less competitive, and less trusted," she said.

Nowrojee noted that although Africa has made remarkable democratic gains through constitutional governance, multiparty elections, and expanded political freedoms, the growing influence of money now threatens to reverse that progress.

She explained that financial power affects not only those who contest elections but also individuals whose voices are heard and whose interests shape public policy.

"Money shapes public debate. It influences who can compete for office, whose messages are amplified, and whose interests are reflected in policy decisions," she stated, adding that even strong constitutions cannot fully protect democracy when financial interests capture public institutions.

To address the challenge, Nowrojee called for comprehensive reforms in political financing, including mandatory disclosure of political donations, transparent public funding systems, stronger oversight institutions, independent enforcement mechanisms, and safeguards against illicit and foreign influence.

She said African governments, political parties, electoral commissions, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, researchers, the media, and the private sector all have a responsibility to ensure that political leadership is determined by public confidence rather than financial muscle.

"Our goal is to strengthen the social contract between government and citizens... To ensure that political leadership is earned through public trust, not purchased through private wealth," she stressed.

Nowrojee concluded that Africa's democratic future should be one in which every citizen, regardless of wealth or background, has an equal opportunity to participate in politics and shape national development.

"Our success will be measured by whether every African, regardless of wealth, background, age, or status, has a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of their country," she said.

NA/EB