Debates about democracy and development in Africa have largely focused on formal political institutions such as elections, political parties, constitutions, and state institutions. Yet across the continent, people also participate in systems of governance rooted in indigenous political traditions, community institutions, customary authority, and local practices of consultation, consensus, and accountability. These institutions continue to shape political life, but their place in contemporary democracy and development remains insufficiently examined.
This panel asks a simple but important question: What might democracy and development in Africa look like if indigenous systems of governance were taken seriously as part of contemporary political life?
The panel invites papers that examine indigenous governance institutions and practices across African societies and their relationship with modern democratic institutions. Contributions may explore traditional leadership, community decision-making, consensus-building, customary institutions, local accountability, conflict resolution, citizen participation, and other forms of indigenous political organization. Papers may also examine cases where indigenous and state institutions cooperate, compete, or exist alongside one another.
The panel does not assume that indigenous institutions are inherently democratic or that they should replace constitutional democracy. Rather, it creates space for critical discussion of their strengths, limitations, and contemporary relevance.
By bringing together theoretical, comparative, and country-level studies, the panel seeks to broaden debates about democracy and development in Africa beyond the simple transfer of institutional models. It asks whether more locally grounded and historically informed forms of governance can deepen political participation, strengthen accountability, and contribute to development that reflects African social and political realities.