Chris Iyama, Convener of ICAD 2025, addressing a vibrant crowd at the pre-conference briefing in Abuja.
Over 1,000 leaders, diplomats, youth voices, and governance experts are converging in Abuja, as the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD 2025) kicks off from Tuesday, July 22, to Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
This powerful two-day summit aims to forge indigenous solutions for Africa’s democratic future, a future defined not by imported models, but by the continent’s own values and challenges.
At a pre-conference briefing in Abuja, on Friday, Chris Iyama, Convener of ICAD 2025, said the gathering serves as a “continental moment” poised to ignite a renaissance in democratic thought across Africa.
“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 declared.
Under the theme “Afro-Democracy: Building a Governance System that Works in Africa, for Africans,” the conference will be a vital forum where innovative ideas are exchanged, and policies are shaped.
The summit is expected to host influential figures such as Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and renowned Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Lumumba.
Emphasising the need for Africa to chart its own course, Iyama stressed that ICAD 2025 rejects copying Western political models and instead advocates for crafting solutions that are deeply rooted in local realities.
“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 stated.
He highlighted key agenda of the conference to include: Restoring trust in public institutions, Electoral reforms and enhanced accountability, Amplifying youth and women’s participation in politics, Advancing indigenous African governance systems, Securing the financial independence of civil society organizations, Countering disinformation and protecting democratic processes and Challenging the continent’s dependency on external funding.
“With billions leaving Africa, why should we rely on donors to fund our future?” Iyama questioned
The summit will culminate in a Declaration for the Future, a roadmap designed to steer democratic reforms and foster robust 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.
ICAD 2025, which is organised by Equity international initiative and CYPA Africa, promises to be a defining moment for Africa’s democratic evolution.
About the Author
