DIGITALIZING DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA: Interrogating Shortcomings and Exploring Opportunities for Enhanced Participation

The internet revolution and the emergent digital platforms for democratic participation have frequently been credited with promoting freedom of speech and expression which is fundamental to democracy. In the Global South, the transformation of the public sphere has led to increased democratic participation, as evident in the public’s use of digital media, particularly social media, for political campaigns and activism. However, the data indicates that Africa is still a long way from using digital tools to support civic engagement, mobilize social movements, and/or increase government transparency. This chapter employs a reflective-cum-conceptual approach, drawing on multiple sources of evidence to examine how digital technologies enhance democracy in African countries. Additionally, we investigate the ethical challenges and gaps that arise from this growth. We envision the promise of the digital in enhancing public participation as precarious and too often hijacked by the anti-democratic interests of powerful platforms and politicians. We, therefore, propose a working paradigm of community-centered digital participation animated by true equality, representation, and power.