Africa in 2025: Political twists and turns

Editor’s note: Talk Africa is a weekly talk show that brings together guests from across Africa and beyond to discuss pressing African issues and global topics, amplifying the continent’s voice and showcasing diverse perspectives and independent thinking. This episode is the first of the year-end special.

Looking back on 2025, Africa’s political landscape reveals a year marked by dramatic shifts and moments that tested the resilience of continental institutions, while also underscoring the continent’s expanding global influence.

As we reflect on a year of turbulence and transformation, deeper questions emerge about the forces shaping Africa’s political trajectory: What truly matters in governance? And what do these trends signal for African citizens and their countries?

People matter

“Symbolic democracy in elections isn’t enough,” said Sizo Nkala, a political scientist and postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, in an interview with CGTN Africa, reflecting on governance challenges in the region.

The year 2025 witnessed instability in several African countries. In Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, mounting social unrest led to military takeovers, while Benin ended the year with a failed coup attempt.

“The legitimacy of a government and its ability to deliver socio-economic development go hand in hand; the two are inextricably intertwined,” Nkala added.

“In Africa, we have seen quite a number of transitions where the military has taken over,” said Mulle Musau, Regional Coordinator of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network. “Perhaps we need to remind African leaders what democracy means. It is government of the people.”

Regional unity needed

In February, the African Union (AU) elected Djiboutian diplomat Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as president, marking a significant leadership transition at the start of the year. Ahead of him lie the challenges of realizing Agenda 2063, the bloc’s 50-year blueprint for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Africa.

The principle of “African solutions to African problems” can be realized only if the African Union, together with regional economic communities and member states, works in a coordinated manner to achieve Agenda 2063, said Moges Ali, Programme Officer at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

“Without adequate funding, the AU cannot implement the policies and decisions made by the Assembly, nor can it fund the activities of its organs,” Nkala pointed out, highlighting another challenge facing the AU and stressing that contributions from member states are crucial, rather than relying on external funds.

“The world will not take Africa seriously if we ourselves cannot fund our continental organization,” he concluded.

Africa on the global stage

Africa had its global moment in 2025 when South Africa hosted the G20 Summit, marking the first time the summit was held on the continent.

Noting Africa’s long-standing marginalization in global forums, Nkala said that the continent’s inclusion in such a key platform was highly significant and further elevated its visibility and standing globally.

“Looking at the declaration adopted at the summit, most of the topics, including debt relief, food security, sustainable finance, climate justice, and the digital revolution, resonate with Africa and the AU Agenda 2063,” Nkala pointed out.

In 2025, Africa also continued its push for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Ali said that Africa, as a continent of more than 50 countries, should not be limited to temporary membership, and meaningful participation is essential to advancing the African agenda.

2026 Ahead

As Africa grappled with an unusually belligerent U.S. in 2025 under the Trump administration, hopes were raised that the African Union has a clear plan to encourage member states to unite behind it and strengthen its effectiveness in 2026.

At the national level, African countries must demonstrate political commitment by adhering to their constitutions, as constitutionalism and the rule of law remain fundamental, said Ali, adding that a strong political culture is essential to promoting peace, security, and effective governance across the continent.

Beyond this, with the rising youth constituency across the continent increasingly shaping the future, African governments and regional economic communities must become more responsive, said Musau.

“The future is people, especially young people, and that is where Africa needs to create meaningful engagement moving forward.”