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High cost of politics in Africa sidelines women and youth, warns Open Society Foundations President

Binaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations OSF, stated that the escalating cost of politics across Africa is systematically excluding women, young people, and citizens without wealthy supporters from political leadership. Speaking at the 'Convening on Financialization of Politics in Africa' in Accra, Nowrojee highlighted that the increasing financial demands of contesting elections are making democratic participation less inclusive and limiting opportunities for ordinary citizens to seek public office. She noted that evidence from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe indicates that election campaigns have become increasingly expensive, favoring wealthy individuals and those with access to powerful financial networks. Nowrojee explained that financial power influences not only who contests elections but also whose voices are heard and whose interests shape public policy. To address this, she 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 emphasized that various stakeholders, including governments, political parties, and civil society organizations, share the responsibility to ensure political leadership is determined by public confidence rather than financial strength, aiming for a future where every citizen